Viewing mounds and interpretation centre at Fort Gilkicker William Jervois Way, Gosport

“The proposal is to amend the requirements of the Legal Agreements to allow for a reduction in the height of two viewing mounds (‘Public Access Works’) on the northern side of the Fort, and the relocation of the ‘Interpretation Centre’ from the ‘old guard cell’, into the existing detached building on the northern side of the Fort.”

“The viewing mounds were previously approved at a height of 13-14m, located on the north side of the Fort. One is approved towards its western end and the other towards the east. The viewing areas were both separated from the Fort itself and included stairs to these platforms at the top. The proposals would not alter the siting of the mounds, but would reduce their height to 10m.”

“Planning permission was approved for the conversion of the existing building into 26 dwellings, subject to Legal Agreements under section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act (“Section 106 Agreement”) and works are ongoing on the site.”

“A request had been made by Deniz Beck Partners, on behalf of the owner and developer, to modify the Section 106 Agreements relating to the existing obligations, specifically relating to the provision of the ‘Public Access Works’ (viewing mounds) and location of the ‘Interpretation Centre’, associated with planning permissions 13/00312/EXT and 16/00444/VOC.”

“13/00312/EXT - renewal of planning permission to extend the time limit for the implementation of planning permission reference K.9316/7 (08/00423/FULL) - restoration of grade II Listed Building and Scheduled Ancient Monument and conversion to 26 dwellings, residents stores and interpretation room – permitted 06.12.13”

“K.9316/7 (08/00423/FULL) - restoration of Grade II Listed Building and Scheduled Ancient Monument and conversion to 26 dwellings, residents stores and interpretation room to enable the construction of stairs between ground and first floors of 1-2, 4-18 and 20-22 (Listed Building And Scheduled Ancient Monument) - permitted 17.08.10”

“The main planning purpose for the Section 106 Agreements clauses, the subject of this request, are to secure the public benefits of both the viewing mounds and associated pathways and the provision and access to the Interpretation Centre, within the ’old guard cell’. The requirements for both the public viewing mounds and Interpretation Centre are still considered necessary as public benefits to off- set harm associated with the residential conversion of the Fort.”

“With regard to the two viewing mounds affected, the reduction in the height is indicated as being 3-4m, with a final height of 10m. The viewing mounds would, therefore, still be provided albeit at a reduced height. This revised height is considered to provide an appropriate balance between maintaining the benefit of free public access, with the resultant views of the Fort and wider Conservation Area.”

“Historic England have commented on the proposed changes to the Agreements and has indicated that they support this change to the consented scheme. They note it will have the dual benefit of revealing more of the exterior facade of the Fort, whilst retaining the memory of the earth bund. Any further works to the mounds will need to be monitored and recorded and an application for a variation to the existing SMC will need to be made to Historic England.”

“It was confirmed that the request was for a reduction in the height of the viewing mounds, exposing more of the brickwork, creating a greater separation to the Fort walls. In addition it was proposed that the Interpretation Centre be relocated from the old guard cell, to the building on the outside of the Fort.”

“It was agreed that both proposals were sensible, noting the support of external bodies.”

“RESOLVED: That the Board grant delegated authority to the Borough Solicitor, in consultation with the Head of Development Management, to amend the requirements of the ‘Public Access Works’ and ‘Interpretation Centre and Parade Ground’ clauses of the Section 106 Agreements for planning permissions 13/00312/EXT and 16/00444/VOC.”