Former Marriotts shop in New Road Portsmouth is set to become houses

Developer Amherst Properties has applied to Portsmouth City Council for permission for the change of use of the Marriotts units in New Road, Buckland to a terrace of three-bedroom homes.

NOW READ: Rogue Portsmouth plumber jailed for carrying out illegal gas work

‘The properties have no commercial potential and residential is the obvious alternative use,’ a statement submitted with its application says. ‘Clearly the properties were once seven dwellings before being converted to commercial use.

‘The applicant has considered converting the properties into residential by way of the prior approval process. This could produce more residential units but the external appearance would not be improved.’

It adds that this process, which relies on permitted development rules, remains ‘a fallback option’ in case planning permission is refused.

In 1989 the council granted planning permission for a block of 24 flats of sheltered accommodation to be built at the site although it most recently housed the furniture store until it closed last year.

No parking would be provided for the new homes, relying instead on on-street parking along New Road. Amherst said residential use of the buildings would create less traffic than a shop.

However, warehouse buildings behind the store are earmarked to be demolished to make way for gardens for each house and will include cycle storage.

‘There is a shortage of family housing in the city and this proposed development would deliver seven good quality homes in an accessible location,’ the developer’s statement adds. ‘Overall, the proposals are considered consistent with the city council’s aspirations to bring about a more residential development in sustainable locations.’

Marriotts had operated from the site for 94 years before the decision to shut was taken in late 2020 after owner Patrick Marriott died at the age of 91. The shop was set up by his parents Ted and Margaret, and he worked well past his retirement age, becoming a much-loved fixture in the shop.

The site went up for auction a couple of months ago.

The council has set a deadline of January 16 for reaching a decision on the application.