CIVIC chiefs have received an application to demolish part of a former gunpowder store overlooking Southampton Water.

It follows concerns about the safety of a courtyard roof at a former military building that was converted into homes two decades ago.

The application says timber beams were left exposed in 2000, having been covered by roof slates for the previous 150 years.

It adds: "After 20 years of exposure to the elements, the structure has deteriorated beyond a financially viable repair."

Daily Echo: The roof of a former armoury concerted into homes has had to be propped up. Picture: New Forest District Council planning portal.The roof of a former armoury concerted into homes has had to be propped up. Picture: New Forest District Council planning portal.

Armoury Management Ltd is seeking Listed Building Consent to remove part of the roof and repair the beams to be retained.

Gunpowder magazines were built on the site at the end of the Napoleonic Wars.

The first phase was completed in 1816, with each magazine capable of holding almost 7,000 barrels of gunpowder. In the 1850s four magazines were added to the first three, making Marchwood the largest gunpowder storage depot in the country.

The building that has been turned into homes is called The Armoury but was previously known as Magazine C.

Daily Echo: The roof of a former armoury converted into homes has had to be propped up. Picture: New Forest District Council planning portal.The roof of a former armoury converted into homes has had to be propped up. Picture: New Forest District Council planning portal.

The application says it stood empty and neglected for 35 years before being converted. During that time it fell victim to vandalism and theft.

"In the past four years there's been significant structural collapse, requiring secondary support and propping. The scenario is considered to put residents’ safety at risk."

The proposal to partly demolish the roof is outlined in a public notice published by New Forest District Council, which will decide the application.

Other public notices: Southampton City Council is closing Wide Lane between its junctions with Wessex Lane and Stoneham Way from April 13 (8pm-6am) for flooding investigation works. The works are due to be completed by April 15.

Southampton City Council is closing Bugle Street/Upper Bugle Street between its junctions Westgate Street and Simnel Street from April 11 (09.30am-3.30pm) for repairs to carriageway subsidence. The works are due to be completed by April 13.