Planning Committee

The planning group continues to monitor planning applications and to meet with officers from the Forward Planning and Conservation Departments.  Three important planning applications are outlined below:

Royal Clarence Yard   We objected to the original proposal to build 140 units at Royal Clarence Yard but this was passed at a Public Inquiry.  Although the numbers remain unchanged, the recent amended plan is an improvement in that the layout of the site has been changed, with a better mix of some smaller apartment blocks and houses.

Stoke Lake Conservation Area   Your Committee strongly objected to the recent planning applications to build in the Stoke Lake Conservation area, next to Brodrick Hall.  We objected on the grounds of specific planning issues outlined in the Gosport Borough Local Plan, and in line with the Society’s own aims to protect Conservation Areas.  The application was refused.

Gosport Railway Station   Although we were concerned at the number of flats proposed in the recent planning application for the former railway station, we felt that the overall design was excellent, making good use of the site while preserving the remains of the railway buildings.  Gosport Society has been campaigning for many years to find a use for this site.

Lee-on –the-Solent   We are concerned at the continuing applications to demolish Victorian and 1930s buildings at Lee-on-the-Solent, in favour of blocks of flats.  We have objected where possible and will continue to monitor further applications. 

Conservation Areas   The appraisal of Pier Street Conservation Area has now been completed.  It is proposed to include some of  the High Street buildings either side of Pier Street into the Conservation Area and although we agreed with the change, we did suggest that the area should be renamed Lee-on-the-Solent Conservation Area, as it encompasses a wider area than Pier Street.   Consultations are now taking place regarding appraisals for Alverstoke and Anglesey areas, and a proposed Conservation Area for Stokes Bay.

Gosport High Street   With regard to the High Street improvements, new lighting has been installed in Hobbs Passage and photographic images should be installed by Spring 2008.

HMS Daedalus Site  At our next planning liaison meeting, the Development Manager for Daedalus will talk about the proposed plans for the site.  The plans will also be on display at the Methodist Hall, Lee-on-the-Solent, on 7^th and 8^th December 2007.

Please note that the Gosport Borough Council Regulatory Board reports and Weekly Planning Lists can be seen in the Studies Centre in Gosport High Street.

                                                                                                                                 May Bumford

Marketing Manager

During the last six months the Society has provided support to Gosport secondary schools by contributing surplus copies of D-Day, Our Great Enterprise to their history departments.  These have been greatly welcomed and, to date, we have donated about 1400 books.   However, we still need vital income from the sale of our publications so I take this opportunity to remind you that our books make great stocking-fillers for less than £5.  Please contact me on 02392-528446, or on gosport.society@ntlworld.com  for a price list or to place an order.