Complaints over plans for old police station
Backlash against flats proposals
SEVERAL complaints have been made against developments to build new flats at the former Southsea Police Station.
Plans to build four more flats and add other features to the historic building in Highland Road are facing a backlash from residents. There are already 18 flats in the building.
Changes to historical features, building materials and overcrowding are the main causes of concern – which the developers deny.
Ian Maylan, the architect speaking on behalf of FOB Design, said: ‘The additional flats are more or less invisible.
‘It has been designed so the visual impact from Highland Road is negligible.’
The proposals are to construct roof-top apartments and a terrace, alongside the 18 current flats in the building.
Standing seam-metal cladding would be used for some of the construction.
The old Southsea Police Station was built in 1932, and is listed by Portsmouth City Council as having ‘special architectural and historical interest’.
Modernisation is considered an eyesore by some residents – with 11 comments being made on the Portsmouth City Council website.
Leaseholder David Poole described the apartments as ‘metal boxes’ that would ruin the building’s appearance.
He said: ‘It is a lovely brickbuilt building with large wooden windows and is a prominent structure in the area.
‘This would be totally out of character with the building and would have a detrimental effect on the local area.’
Ian Maylon said the cladding was a ‘tried and tested’ building material that wouldn’t drastically alter the building.
He added: ‘We’re looking to use a standing seem of lead vertical cladding to complement, rather than contrast, the existing brick work, so not to change the proportion of the building.’
The architect added ‘the developers are as keen to the building’s heritage features as residents are’ – by no touching parts of the building such as the main staircase.
Some occupants have concerns over overcrowding.
Animal conservation charity Hampshire Swifts made an objection to the plans and want swift bricks to be installed so birds can nest on the roof.
Ian Maylan said the developers would happily work with the charity to accommodate the changes.