Ref: Planning Application for the former C&G Building 176 London Road.
It is with a huge amount of regret that I have to write this letter to you, to inform you and your neighbours that at the recent meeting of Portsmouth City Council’s Planning Committee, the application for 176 London Road was approved by a majority of the members.
A huge amount of effort went into opposing this appalling application and I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who attended the meeting, gave a deputation, signed the petition, or contacted the Council about this matter. I know that this will be disappointing news and the one silver lining will be that the existing building will finally be knocked down.
Three members of the Committee voted against the application, they were Councillors: Donna Jones (Hilsea), Jim Fleming (Baffins) and Rob New (Copnor). I would like to thank them for listening to the concerns of local residents.
Two further members on the committee who voted for the proposal, agreed with the concerns over parking, but felt this was a sacrifice ‘worth making’ in order to secure the demolition of the existing building which has blighted the area for years.
I was particularly disappointed with the comments of one councillor who dismissed all the points that residents and I put forward, including the excellent parking survey which had been put together by a resident on Thurbern Road.
Going forward, I have written to the developers, asking them to meet with residents to discuss the parking issues and if they would consider increasing the parking provision. This is a long shot, but having heard the strength of feelings in the area, I hope the developer will look at the plans again, as additional parking could be added easily and cheaply. If I get a response I will forward this to you and your neighbours.
In the meantime my Hilsea Ward colleagues and I will continue to monitor the development site as the application progresses and will work hard to make sure that the work is carried out in accordance with the plans and within planning regulations.
Kind regards,
Cllr Alistair Thompson
(The above letter is currently being delivered in hard copy to local residents.)
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