Four houses at 30-34 Great Southsea Street, Southsea

What was proposed

The scheme would create two homes in the listed buildings and build two new three-storey homes on the former pub garden.

“The proposal is for the change of use of the building from a public house/bed and breakfast to form two dwellings, with associated internal works, and the construction of two new build dwellings on the outside pub garden area. One dwelling would be formed in no. 30 (the original pub), another in no. 32 (the original fishmongers), both would be in the two-storeys of the original, listed buildings. They would be five and four bedrooms respectively.”

“The southern beer garden for the pub would be removed, and the existing outdoor structures cleared, in order to allow for the construction of two no., three-storey infill dwellings. Although three-storeys, both new dwellings would have their front elevation slightly lower than no. 32 adjacent.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site includes two Grade II listed buildings, a former beer garden, a conservation area setting and nearby homes, flats and public houses.

“The application site is formed of three principal elements: * no. 30, the former 'India Arms' Public House, two-storey, Grade II Listed, in the northern third of the site; * no. 32, the former fishmongers and game shop, two-storey, Grade II Listed, in the central third of the site, and; * a gap site (no.34) used as an outdoor 'beer garden', in the southern third of the site.”

“The application site is within the 'Castle Road' Conservation Area (No.12), it is also noted that directly outside no. 32 is a Grade II Listed Lamp Column. Adjoining the site to the south is No. Great Southsea Street, the Hole in the Wall public house. No. Great Southsea Street adjoins to the north, a dwellinghouse, and houses lie opposite. Flats in two storey buildings adjoin the site to the rear (west) on Little Southsea Street.”

Officer report

Earlier site history

A 2021 listed building application for internal alterations, repainting and a new bar received conditional consent.

“21/00178/LBC - Alterations to the first-floor layout, re-painting of part of the front elevation and the installation of a new bar at ground floor level. Decision - Conditional Consent 23/07/2021”

Officer report

What people said

Six representations objected to the pub’s loss, parking, heritage, construction, storage and biodiversity, while two supported the reuse and revised design.

“Although there are pressures facing the pub industry, loss of this venue would be a major blow to the local community and conservation area, contrary to policy. No viability assessment has been submitted to show the community use is unviable. As an elderly resident with mobility issues, I regularly visit Carters and sit in the garden and enjoy a meal with family and friends.”

“Re- purposing the pub garden for off-street parking would help; • Concern about construction phase disruption, need clear plan for storing materials, managing deliveries, worker parking, the road is extremely narrow; • Lack of adequate bin and bicycle storage; • Bio-diversity Net Gain: in fact, much of the pub garden contains planting, should retain or improve biodiversity; • Two bedrooms lack an ensuite in no. 30.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent made a deputation to the committee.

What members discussed

Members discussed possible future HMO use, the speed of the proposed change, storage, drainage, courtyards, planting, the roof terrace and the historic mural.

“The roof terrace was set back from the edge by 2.75 metres which, along with the height of its balustrade, would ensure that users of the terrace would not be able to see into neighbouring windows. Only a limited section of obscured glazing on the terrace would be visible from street level and only from a considerable distance.”

“Members’ Comments Members expressed concern that an application could be submitted for a House in Multiple Occupation at a later date. Members also expressed scepticism that, having acquired the building in June and following the service of an abatement notice, a change of use had been decided upon and plans prepared for submission within such a short timescale.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee granted conditional planning permission and conditional listed building consent, including a requirement for sustainable drainage.

“RESOLVED that the planning application 25/00963/FUL be granted conditional planning permission, including the requirement for sustainable drainage.”

“RESOLVED that the listed building application 25/00964/LBC be granted conditional listed building consent.”

Minutes