Approval nears for major Portsmouth scheme

Revised plans for a major transport hub in Portsmouth, which were knocked back last year, look set to take an important step forward.The Regeneration Department of Portsmouth City Council is behind the application, which has been drawn up on its by behalf by Savills.The existing Portsmouth Park and Ride currently provides 665 car parking spaces, which are often “filled to capacity at weekends and during major events”, though is not fully utilised during the weekday commuting periods.In July 2021, outline planning permission for the construction of a multi-storey transport hub and car park for up to 2,650 cars – incorporating a park-and-ride facility, bicycle hub, taxi rank, car hire venue, scooter and bicycle rental facility, offices and landscaping – was refused at a planning committee meeting.The reason for refusal was a “lack of adequate justification for the need for a 2,650-space park and ride facility, along with the proposed access arrangements and the proposed height of the building, would cause unacceptable harm to the amenities of local residents and the local area contrary”.The revised outline application – submitted earlier this year – proposes new parameters for a lower profiled building, although the 2,650 figure remains.The plans are now set to go before Portsmouth City Council’s planning committee meeting on 23 February, with a recommendation for approval.