Vacant Copnor shop could become five flats under new plans
A vacant shop in Copnor could be transformed into five self-contained flats under new planning proposals.
The application, submitted by GMB Real Estate Limited, covers 189–191 New Road and would see the change of use from a shop to residential flats.
The plans show five one-bedroom flats, with sizes ranging from 37 sqm to 45 sqm.
The outlet’s former use was a wholesale shop for electrical components and as ancillary offices – no conditions were imposed restricting its use.
The proposals include partial demolition, with the removal of the existing shopfront and a small projection on the rear, and new door and window openings. The current flat-roofed shopfront would be replaced with a monopitch canopy.
The replacement front elevation has been designed with neighbouring properties in mind, and documents say it “will appear residential in character”
The application adds that “appropriate external facing and roofing materials are proposed to ensure the development respects the character of the area.” If approved, the applicants state it would bring new homes to and “regenerate these rather tired, vacant premises”.
Residents can view and comment on the application using the planning reference 25/01500/FUL.