Raised piers and bi-fold gates at 1 Rochester Road, Southsea

“The application site is an end of terrace residential property on the northern side of Rochester Road. The application site also has a frontage onto, and in townscape terms is read within, the context of St Augustine Road, a suburban north-south road, that joins perpendicular to Rochester Road at its western end.”

“The proposal is for the existing brick piers surrounding the gate to be raised and the vehicular access to be widened. The proposal also includes installation of a new bifold black timber gate. The existing piers are 2.3m high, and the proposal seeks to increase their height by 0.3m to 2.6m high. The existing gate is 2.4m wide and the proposal seeks to widen it by 0.5m to 2.9m…”

“The property lies within the Rochester Road Conservation Area characterised by a high number of 19 th Century properties with an elaborate and attractive range of architectural features and details and also benefits from a relatively high degree of preservation.”

“16/00336/HOU - Installation of replacement roof Conditional permission 03.05.2016”

“No pre-application discussions were held in relation to the current proposal.”

“The existing piers appear to have been raised in the past with what seems to be concrete cappings added. Following the amendments secured to the scheme which reduced the overall height of the extended pillars and amended the design and materials of the proposed gates, it is considered that - taking into consideration the advice contained within Section 16 of the NPPF, in particular paras.”

“The amended proposal is considered to preserve the character of the conservation area and is also considered acceptable in townscape terms. With suitable conditions it has acceptable impacts on highway safety and neighbouring living conditions. On this basis, it is recommended for permission.”

“Highways Team The bi fold gate should fold back into the site and not overhang the public highway when in operation. In terms of the parking area, the applicants should provide a plan to demonstrate sufficient space for the vehicle.”

“Conservation Officer The removal (loss) of a modest section of original/ historic wall (to accommodate the widened opening). - The extent of this loss is relatively modest, and this aspect of the proposal is consequently considered capable of conservation support. An increase in the height of the piers. - piers of the same height or very slightly greater height would be considered a less invasive or a more harmonious solution.”

“Letters to adjoining properties were sent on 09.07.24. Site Notice was erected outside the site on 16.07.24.”

“No representations have been received in respect of the proposals.”

“The only reason the application had been brought before the Committee was because the applicant was an elected councillor and if this had not been the case the application would have been approved by officers.”

“The height of the pillars would be increased by 30 centimetres and would only be slightly higher than the existing pillars.”

“RESOLVED that conditional permission be granted as per the officer recommendation.”