THE PORTCHESTER SOCIETY
HomeAccountsMeetings and programmeHistory and joiningContact us and how to find usAbout us & PublicationsPLANNINGNews, Views & What's OnPORTCHESTER in POSTCARDSUseful links
PLANNING


Most planning matters fall within the Society’s aims to protect and preserve the quality of the local environment. We work closely with Fareham and Hampshire councils to protect the streetscene and character of Portchester. We are very active in all matters concerning planning applications and attempt to suggest improvements where possible. Where applications are obviously detrimental we challenge and object to them – often with considerable success. Portchester includes two very important conservation areas (Castle Street and Cams Hall) in which we strive to preserve the integrity of the environment. But our preservation work also includes the whole of Portchester from the harbour shoreline to the chalk grasslands of Portsdown Hill.

 Planning issues are dealt with by a subcommittee which ensures that even in the most detailed submissions a spectrum of members’ opinion is properly reflected. The subcommittee work also ensures that a number of members gain knowledge of the legal aspects of the planning process. We wish to be informed of planning issues of concern to residents and we obtain an excellent response. Please use this website if you have any such concerns – whether you are a member or not.
 Recent Planning Concerns (2011/2012)
 
Care Home, Southampton Road, Paulsgrove
 
Objections have been raised regarding
  • Inadequate parking at peak times, traffic on the A27 and impossibility of on-road parking.
  • Public transport - buses are infrequent and the railway station is too far for elderly people to walk.
  • Access from the A27 is difficult on a busy road. 

 

White Hart Pub (Co-operative Store)

 
Objections were raised concerning licencing hours and illuminated fascia signs:

  • Licensing times have been agreed
  • Fascia signs have been reduced in length so that they sit within the recessed brickwork (similar to the existing signs) and comprise painted timber with a green background to take account of all the comments made by the members of the planning committee. 

It was reported that the Co-op is a successful business, providing local employment.  Their business will be locally based with many customers walking to the shop.  The shop should not result in any harm to the local amenities and should have little effect, if any, on the neighbouring properties or existing street scene.  The property is set well back from the main road and surrounding properties reducing the potential for any adverse visual impact.

 252 White Hart Lane

Proposed change of use from Bakery (Class A1) to Fish and Chip Shop (Class A5) with the provision of an extractor flue on the west elevation.

 

 NEW COMMUNITY CENTRE

 Glyn Wadey, Portchester Society's Representative on the Trustee Board of Portchester Community Centre, welcomes the statement below as a real step forward in the development of the new building.

 

Work on new community centre for Portchester due to commence

Work on the new Portchester Community Centre is expected to begin next month (6 February 2012) as part of a £2million project funded by Hampshire County Council.

The new building has been designed and procured by the County Council's Property Services department, and in partnership with Fareham Borough Council, it aims to deliver a quality, modern community facility for local residents to replace the poor quality 1960s building that is currently on the site.

The new centre in Westlands Grove will be arranged around a courtyard and will include a Children's Centre, main hall, three multi-purpose rooms, a 40 place pre-school, administrative accommodation and various other spaces, as well as outdoor landscaping.

Work on the new building is expected to begin next month.  The aim is for the building to be ready to be occupied in the Autumn of 2012.  The old building will then be demolished.

Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Ken Thornber, said:

"This is an exciting project for Portchester and once constructed, this new modern building will provide residents with a wonderful new facility that is able to better meet the needs of the local community.

"An important part of the project is the provision of a new Children's Centre which provides families with easy access to a range of different support services.  With so much help and advice available, these centres aim to give every child the best possible start in life."