Boat shed and warehouse at Victoria Quay, Weevil Lane, Gosport

“ERECTION OF NEW BUILDING TO FORM A BOAT SHED AND FABRICATION WAREHOUSE WITH ASSOCIATED STAFF FACILITIES, AND ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING BUILDING (48) TO INSTALL NEW DOOR OPENINGS TO PROVIDE ACCESS (CONSERVATION AREA) (as amplified and amended by information received 31.03.26 and 16.04.26) Victoria Quay Weevil Lane Gosport Hampshire…”

“The site is within the former Royal Clarence Yard site, and wider Victoria Quay site. The Victoria Quay site comprises various marine related uses, including boat repairs, storage and has a number pontoons within the Harbour. The site projects further into the harbour than the adjacent land to the south and north. The wider site is primarily hard surfaced and includes a number of buildings. There is a slipway to the harbour and an existing boat hoist.”

“The site is within the Royal Clarence Yard Conservation Area and there are a number of Listed Buildings within Victoria Quay, along with non-designated heritage assets. The site is situated within the designated Waterfront and Town Centre area, which has its own Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), with Victoria Quay, noted as the Royal Clarence Retained Area, and is also located within Flood Zone 3.”

“However, it is also recognised that the height of the building cannot be reduced further, as noted above.. Given its scale and massing and the proposals would lead to less than substantial harm to the significance of designated heritage assets, and as per advice set out in the NPPF, para 215, this harm should be weighed against the public benefits of the proposal including, where appropriate, securing its optimum viable use.”

“Given this acknowledged harm, it is important to consider the planning balance and whether there are any public benefits for these proposals. As noted both the current and emerging Local Plans, and the CAAMP seek the continuation of the site for marine employment, and acknowledge that additional development would be appropriate, given proximity to deep water access. The constraints of the use have dictated its overall scale and form, as set out above.”

“Environmental Health No objection, subject to an unexpected contamination condition being imposed.”

“HCC Ecology No objection, subject to conditions. The application site is covered by areas of hardstanding. It is however located immediately adjacent to the Solent and Dorset Coast SPA and Solent Waders and Brent Goose Strategy Low Use Site G59.”

“It was also confirmed to Members that there was no parking available as part of the proposal and that this would be taken into account as part of the travel plan including links to cycle paths and bus routes.”

“A Member questioned whether the proposed cladding material would be suitable, as the manufacturers website indicates that the material underperformed in coastal areas.”

“RESOLVED: That application 26/00007/FULL be approved, subject to the conditions in the report of the Head of Development Management.”