Decision on bus depot delayed to explore roundabout impact
The planning decision for the Hilsea Bus Depot has been delayed to test its impact on the Portsbridge Roundabout.
Plans to transform the former News Centre and printing press on London Road into a bus depot were first submitted to Portsmouth City Council in December.
If approved, the depot would accommodate 100 12m buses operated by First Bus – entirely on electricity.
Now, the council has missed its determination deadline, which was set in February, after a request from National Highways.
It requested further modelling to understand the potential impacts on the M27, particularly the Portsbridge Roundabout, and a decision isn’t now expected until June.
A council spokesperson said: “The applicant has recently advised that the modelling should be completed and available for review by National Highways by the end of April.
“In the interim,
National Highways have recommended that the local planning authority does not grant planning permission for the application for a period until May 2 to enable the required information to be provided by the applicant.
“Once the modelling information has been received and reviewed by National Highways, it is intended the application will go to the planning committee for determination, most likely in June.”
Plans show buses would access the site using a modified entrance from London Road. From there they would form a stacking lane before being washed.
The buses would park overnight at a charging station on the southern part of the site adjacent to Bapaume Road.
The News Centre became The News’ headquarters in 1969 following its relocation from Stanhope Road. It served as the newspaper’s central hub until 2013 when advertising and editorial staff relocated to a new site.
Printing operations persisted until 2020, when DMG Media, publisher of the Daily Mail, Metro and i newspapers, bought the facility.
To view and comment on the plans visit Portsmouth City Council’s planning portal and search for reference 23/01470/FUL.