Our comments on the proposed change of use for 40 North Street.

Our main concern is the loss of the existing flat, at a time when Havant Borough Council are having to provide sites for over 9,000 homes for the period up to 2036. Whilst it may not be an ideal family home, it might work for those on a low income, who are dependent on public transport. It is close to local schools and doctor’s surgeries, whilst Havant Park could provide recreational space. Alternatively, it may also work for a group of 3 to 4 sharers. Another option might be to convert the narrower, rear half of the building into a 2 bedroom house.

On the conservation front, we feel that it would be a retrograde step to remove the two chimneys. They may no longer serve any purpose but they are a distinctive, contemporary feature of the building, which enhance, not only the building itself but also the streetscape. Taking them away would detract from the building, which is, after all, in the St Faith’s Conservation area.

A final observation, is to query the need and/or logic in replacing the two large windows on the south elevation with ordinary domestic windows. Retail outlets surely need potential customers to be able to see what they have on offer. That will be particularly difficult in the case of the proposed rear unit, which will have just a single domestic sized window.

Overall, we feel that this application needs to be rethought, so that the building continues to provide an element of accommodation, as well as sensible retail space and without any further alteration of its existing period appearance.

Regards,

Christopher Evans, Committee member – planning.”

pp Havant Civic Society.