Six flats with extension at 37 - 39 Mumby Road, Gosport

What was proposed

An existing office building would become six flats, with a front extension and balcony, parking, cycle storage and refuse storage.

“CONVERSION OF EXISTING OFFICE BUILDING INTO 6 FLATS, ERECTION OF SINGLE STOREY FRONT EXTENSION WITH BALCONY, WITH ASSOCIATED CAR PARKING, CYCLE AND REFUSE STORAGE (as amended by plans received 23.04.26 and 20.05.26) 37 - 39 Mumby Road Gosport Hampshire PO12 1AA”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The two-storey building has roof space, existing access from two roads and a mix of residential and commercial uses around it.

“The site is located on the south side of Mumby Road and comprises a building which is two-storey with additional space within the roof. The building had been used as a chandlery for a number of years, but its last use was as an office. There is an existing wall projecting to the front of the building that previously formed the eastern elevation of a front extension, which has been demolished more recently.”

“The surrounding area comprises a mix of residential and commercial uses. To the east of the site is a terrace of two-storey houses, with accommodation within the roofspace. Number 35 Mumby Road is the closest, being sited adjacent to the boundary, and this has a two-storey front projection within windows in the side elevation facing the site, along with further windows facing onto Mumby Road. To the west is Wises Court which is a block of flats.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Consultees raised no objections, while heritage advice sought a photographic record and highway advice preferred a non-gravel surface.

“Local Highway Authority No objection. Whilst Gosport Borough Council as the Local Planning Authority will be required to make any comments on parking, the Highway Authority would like to make the following comment on the internal layout. The Highway Authority's preference is that the hardstanding is not the gravel, given it is a migratory material, which could impede local highway safety.”

“Recognising that the building has an industrial heritage value locally that will be altered by the proposed changes I recommend that a photographic record of the building as it stands prior to the erosion of the building's industrial heritage character is taken. I recommend that this might be secured by use of a condition (although the applicant might be in a position to supply such a record at this stage).”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant and the agent addressed the Board in support of the proposal, highlighting the building’s heritage, sustainability, transport links and mitigation.

Members’ discussion

Members welcomed the building’s heritage treatment and heard that its location had made continued commercial use difficult.

“In answer to a Member’s question, the Board was advised that discussions were taking place with local museums to rehouse the wheel from the property; it was believed this had been used to draw water from the well.”

“Members appreciated the respect for the heritage of the building and were advised by the applicant that the location of the site had made it difficult to sustain commercial use.”

Minutes

The decision

The Board approved the application subject to the conditions in the officer report.

“RESOLVED That application 25/00345/FULL be approved subject to the conditions in the report of the Head of Development Management.”

Minutes