Decision looming on 134-homes plan at ex-Debenhams site
Transformation of former department store to incorporate GP practice and dental surgery set to be discussed by councillors
THE FATE of a former department store in the city is set to be decided next week.
Plans to transform Debenhams in Palmerston Road, Southsea, into 134 homes and convert the ground floor into a GP practice and dental surgery will be heard at a planning committee meeting on January 26.
If approved the upper four floors of the existing building will be re-developed into 98 flats. And a new three-storey block will be built at the rear following the demolition of outbuildings, to contain 36 homes. The proposals, put forward by developers National Regional Property Company, are going to the committee after they were deferred last year to make amendments.
Speaking about this the company's chief executive, Shaun Adams, said: ‘Following feedback from officers, we have reduced the footprint of the proposed extension to the existing store, which has led to a slight reduction in the number of homes proposed.
‘This, along with some other amends, has meant that officers at the council have now recommended that the plans are approved.
‘We’re delighted with this and hope that next week the planning committee approve our plans to regenerate this now vacant site, providing new homes, jobs, shops and a new “health hub”, including GP practice and dentist.’
As part of the plans 45 parking spaces will be created in the basement of the main building and undercroft parking for 60 cars will be included under the new block.
A total of 246 cycle storage spaces will also be provided across the site.
And as previously reported it is expected the ground floor of the former shop will house commercial units as well as medical practices.
In a separate planning application to be considered at the same meeting the developers have also asked to demolish a disused building between the Debenhams store and homes along Portland Terrace that are listed.
A total of eight objections have been made against the main application, and three parties have written to the council in support.
The meeting can be viewed by the public via the Portsmouth City Council website at 2pm next Tuesday.