Commercial building conversion at Rum Store Victoria Quay Royal Clarence Yard Gosport

“ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING BUILDING TO INCLUDE RE-CONSTRUCTION OF SECOND STOREY, CHANGES TO FENESTRATION, INSTALLATION OF SOLAR PANELS, PLANT AND MACHINERY, CHANGE OF USE OF BUILDING TO COMMERCIAL (CLASS E), DEMOLITION OF EXISTING TOILET BLOCK AND PROVISION OF NEW CHANGING PLACES TOILET FACILITIES AND HARD SURFACING AND BIN STORE (LISTED BUILDING IN CONSERVATION AREA) (ALTERNATIVE PROPOSALS TO PLANNING PERMISSION 25/00061/FULL) (as amplified by information received 08.07.26)…”

“The wider Victoria Quay site comprises a number of buildings located within the former Royal Clarence Yard site, which are used primarily for marine related activities. It is accessed from Cooperage Green on its western side. The building, subject to this application, is a Grade II Listed Building more commonly known as the Rum Store.”

“There are multiple large loading doors which extend to ground or floor level across the elevations. The two-storey element comprised a concrete flat roof, some of which has now been removed, with the single and three-storey elements largely original. The Rum Store Project formed part of the Council's bid for Government funding which includes a sum allocated to the Rum Store works. The site is located within the Royal Clarence Yard Conservation Area and a Flood Zone.”

“Planning permission and Listed Building Consent were granted in 2025 (references 25/00061/FULL and 25/00062/LBA), subject to a number of conditions, for alterations to existing building which included the re-construction of the second storey, changes to fenestration, installation of solar panels, plant and machinery, and the use of building to commercial (Classes B8, and E), provision of a rooftop bar, demolition of the toilet block, provision of new toilet facilities and…”

“HCC Ecology No objection. The submitted ecology report confirms the presence of common pipistrelle day roosts. The mitigation and compensation measures detailed are considered to be appropriate. Updating survey work is likely to be required to obtain a license. Nevertheless, provided that a condition is added to the decision notice to ensure the works are carried out in accordance with the measures there are no concerns.”

“Southern Water No objection, subject to a condition relating to drainage details.”

“The Board was advised that the roof top bar had been removed as it was cost prohibitive, it was acknowledged that this was a shame but that it was important to see the building brought back to use.”

“It was advised that it could not be conditioned that the jobs on site were for Gosport residents only.”

“RESOLVED: That application 26/00140/FULL be approved subject to the conditions in the report of the Head of Development Management.”