It is decision time for plans which would transform the waterfront in Lee-on-the-Solent.
Today (October 25), Gosport councillors will vote on whether to approve the regeneration project of Daedalus Waterfront - which includes 346 homes, a hotel, a museum and 17,500 square metres of commercial space.
The project is a joint venture between Homes England, MurrayTwohig Development, Orwell Real Estate and Patron Capital, led by Daedalus Development Company.
The site comprises the waterfront area of the former HMS Daedalus in Lee-on-Solent which is largely derelict after the armed forces left in 1996.
Other features of the plans are 15,000 sq m of industrial and employment space, 48 retirement apartments, car parking and public open spaces.
The application has received 22 letters of objection and 15 letters of support so far.
David Lange of Meadow Grove, Eastleigh, said he objects to the proposals on grounds of overdevelopment.
“There is insufficient infrastructure to accommodate this major housing development. Public transport is inadequate. The local schools will be overcrowded. Can the nearest hospital cope with additional demand?
“The existing road network is inadequate to deal with the volume of traffic entering the ‘pocket’ of Lee on Solent.
"Congestion, increasing pollution, noise levels, and higher volumes of leisure traffic pouring into the area during the summer seasons.
"Existing traffic volumes mixed with this development are unsustainable and contravene environmental policies.”
In contrast, Antony Bosustow of Stubbington Lane said: “I think this development will give the area a tremendous boost by bringing back to life the array of derelict buildings within the site. I fully support the plans.”
Lee-on-Solent resident Mary Beard added: “I support the development of the Daedalus waterfront site to prevent further deterioration and ruin of the general area. I am hopeful that the whole area will benefit from the upgrade, housing and business.”
The planning committee will also determine a listed building application to convert the Grade II listed former dining rooms and cookhouse at HMS Daedalus into nine dwellings.
If approved the more recent extensions of the building will be demolished and the historically significant elements will be retained.
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