Golden opportunity missed as Gosport pub shrinks in size in favour of 11-bed shared house

The Ajito Property Group, owners of the disused The Clarence Tavern at 1 Clarence Road, have been granted permission to build an 11-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO) and a reduced-scale pub.

A Gosport Borough Council regulatory board meeting on December 3 approved plans to convert, extend, and alter the vacant building, which dates back to 1861, on the corner of Mumby Road and King Street.

The planning statement said the proposal includes retaining part of the “Chapel Brewery” within the building at the rear, built in 1998, and converting the forward section to an HMO by building a first-floor extension.

The proposed alterations include installing windows and doors, replacing part of the roof, and removing a chimney stack.

The council received nine letters of objection, raising concerns including the impact on the local area, parking, and the increase in anti-social behaviour.

Members heard that road congestion and lack of parking in the area were issues.

Councillor June Cully (Lab, Harbourside and Town), representing residents of the neighbouring development St Mathews Court, raised concerns about the lack of parking, alongside how commercial and residential waste was to be collected from the site, given the traffic congestion.

Councillor Steve Hammond (Lib Dem, Bridgemary) said the vacant pub had parking at the rear of the site and that it was disappointing it was not part of the application.

The representative from Town Planning Expert, on behalf of the developer, said the homes were for young professionals.

Councillor Kirsten Bradley (Lib Dem, Lee East) agreed there is a need for homes but questioned whether living above a pub was the best solution for young professionals.

Councillor Peter Chegwyn (Lib Dem, Forton) said based on previous discussions, he believed a “golden opportunity” had been missed to convert the building into a boutique hotel in this very historic building.

Local brewer, Powder Monkey, has expressed an interest in running the new smaller pub and offered a letter of support and viability in planning documents.

The application form said that three full-time jobs will be created at the site.

The regulatory board panel granted permission for the plans by a vote of five to two.

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