Second-floor extension and seven dwellings at 20 - 24 High Street, Gosport

“The adjoining building to the east, No.25 High Street, is a three storey brick building with a commercial unit at ground floor level and ancillary staff accommodation above. This unit also includes a large garden area to the north that wraps around the application site and neighbouring properties on North Cross Street. Much of the High Street which is pedestrianised contains commercial uses at ground floor level with a mix of ancillary or residential uses above.”

“Planning permission is sought the construction of a second floor extension above the existing northern extension, and alterations to the first floor to pull part of the northern elevation back from the shared boundary. The building would then be converted to provide seven dwellings (3 x 1-bed 4 x 2-bed) at ground and upper floor level retaining a commercial use within the original banking hall.”

“This application relates to a two-storey building, with additional accommodation at roof level, situated to the corner of High Street and North Cross Street and currently occupied by Lloyds Bank. The site is located within the Gosport Town Centre (Principal Centre) as defined by Policy LP27 of the Gosport Borough Local Plan 2011-2029 and the 'High Street' Conservation Area.”

“The application has been amended from that originally submitted removing a third floor extension to the northern part of the building, intended to accommodate two further dwellings, amending bin and bicycle storage arrangements and providing an updated Flood Risk Assessment. A further period of consultation took place ending on 8 October 2025.”

“15/00609/FULL - Part demolition of two-storey rear addition, internal and external alterations and erection of rear and second floor extensions and partial change of use of ground floor to form 6 No. flats (Conservation area) - Permitted 07.04.2016;”

“The Gosport Society Object (to original plans): - Design concerns with various elements; - Unit 1 does not provide a good standard of living environment; - Upper floor units would benefit from a lift; - Only 4 of the 9 units benefit from any external amenity space and these are all north facing; - Tortuous access to bin and bike stores; - Overdevelopment of the site;”

“…of the town centre High Street, which is a priority for the council. However increasing employment in Gosport is also a priority given the borough's comparatively low employment density. As a result the overall loss of commercial use space of 464 sqm (from 722 to 258 sqm) should be noted. Notwithstanding this the majority of this loss is on the upper floors with most of the ground floor commercial use space retained.”

“Members expressed concern regarding the provision of bin storage, as there was none, and were advised that the alleyway could not be used for storage as waste would not be collected from there. Concern was expressed that the large bins would block the footway.”

“Members expressed concern that there was no suitable parking close by and that there would be an increased demand for Town center permits and had concern about the development overall.”

“RESOLVED: That application 24/00322/FULL be approved, subject to the conditions in the report of the Development Manager.”