Commercial building with rooftop bar at Rum Store Victoria Quay Royal Clarence Yard Weevil Lane, Gosport

“25/00061/FULL - 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 (classes b8, e, and f1) and provision of rooftop bar (sui generis), demolition of existing toilet block and provision of new changing places toilet facilities and hard surfacing and bin store (Listed Building In Conservation Area) - pending consideration…”

“Members were advised that the application site was within the former Royal Clarence Yard and comprises a substantial grade II Listed Building, which was currently unoccupied due to its poor condition. The proposals were to bring the building back into commercial use, and largely reinstating the building to its original design, with an additional floor on the eastern section. A more modern intervention of a rooftop bar is also proposed.”

“Given the Rum Store is a Grade II Listed, it is important that any alterations are sensitive to this designation. This application is the third in a series of applications that look to secure the long-term future of the building. Due to its level of deterioration, the Rum Store is considered by the Council to be 'Heritage at Risk' and proposals which remove buildings from 'at risk' status are supported by Policy LP11 of the GBLP.”

“Within the building the areas identified as having potentially the greatest impact on historic fabric are, the removal of the existing stairs and lift to north east corner and the creation of openings for new stairs, and the removal of the jack arches in the central section of central range to allow for an escape stair and service lift. In these cases it is considered that the harm identified is outweighed by the benefits that the interventions will bring.”

“The approach proposed would adapt the building for modern commercial use while retaining its historic significance, which would help to ensure the building's long-term viability and relevance, which is an appropriate approach in its restoration.”

“Historic England No comments, but recommend that you seek the views of your specialist conservation and archaeological advisers.”

“The Gosport Society Support, welcome and commend the proposals. The significant funding provided by central government to this project as a key element in the realisation of the strategic linkage of all the current and to be developed sites forming a public harbourside route from the Gosport Ferry to Priddys Hard and beyond, has generated this important scheme.”

“Additional highways information primarily relating to trip generation and sustainable travel had been received and the Local Highway Authority have been consulted. Whilst their formal comments had not been received, following discussions it has been indicated that there are no significant concerns regarding impacts on the highway network. Given the notable public benefits of the proposals the recommendation remains for approval subject to conditions.”

“Members recognised the importance of the restoration of the heritage asset and the site, and welcomed the use of the Levelling Up Funding to do so. It was important that the site was protected and enhanced. Members recognised that there could be parking issues on the site, and that the parking restrictions were heavily enforced.”

“RESOLVED: That planning application 25/00061/FULL be approved subject to the conditions in the report of the Development Manager.”