PLANNING chiefs have received an application to restore part of a former industrial site overlooking the M27 motorway near Southampton.

Bursledon Brickworks Museum is seeking consent to turn two of the old drying sheds into offices to secure the buildings' future as well as raising revenue.

The sheds lost their roof after the brickworks closed and have been derelict ever since, despite work being carried out elsewhere on the site.

A design and access statement that forms part of the application says the sheds are at risk, adding: "Something urgently needs to be done to preserve the structures."

Daily Echo: Plans to restore two of the drying sheds have been submitted. Picture: Fareham Borough Council planning portal.Plans to restore two of the drying sheds have been submitted. Picture: Fareham Borough Council planning portal.

If the scheme is given the go-ahead a building known as Shed 1 will be converted into offices that will be leased to local businesses.

Shed 2 will boast a double-height atrium, plus toilets, meeting rooms and kitchenettes.

The statement says: "A number of alterations to the sheds are proposed. Careful consideration has been taken to minimise harm to the historical significance of the building whilst still achieving the aims set out within the brief.

"The sheds will be brought back into use to secure the long-term future of the Brickworks Museum.

"Rent from the units should raise sufficient income to cover the shortfall in the museum's income whilst allowing a small sum each year to be set aside for future repairs to the rest of the building."

Daily Echo: The site used to make 20 million bricks a year. Picture: Fareham Borough Council planning portal.The site used to make 20 million bricks a year. Picture: Fareham Borough Council planning portal.

The site at Coal Park Lane, Swanwick, was established by the Ashby family in 1897 and at one stage produced 20 million bricks a year. It finally closed in 1974.

A public notice outlining the proposed restoration of the two sheds has been published by Fareham Borough Council, which will decide the application.

Other public notices: Southampton City Council is closing Western Esplanade between its junctions with Harbour Parade and Pirelli Street from June 13 (8pm-6am) for repairs to a footbridge. The works are due to be completed by June 15.

Southampton City Council is closing Shaftesbury Avenue between its junctions with Highfield Crescent and Holyrood Avenue from June 6 (8pm-6am) for repairs to a manhole cover. The works are due to be completed by June 8.

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