Seafront homes approved despite backlash from residents

A council has unanimously approved plans for 134 homes at a former naval gunnery site despite backlash from residents.

Portsmouth City Council approved plans to redevelop Fraser Range in Eastney, once used to train The Royal Navy until it closed in the 1980s and became an Admiralty Research Establishment.

Orangestar Capital Limited have been granted permission to build 116 flats, 18 houses, 196 parking spaces, improve access roads, a coastal walkway, sea defences and public open space.

Residents raised concerns about traffic congestion, impact on birds and wildlife, the absence of any affordable housing, and the effect on the naturist beach.

Alan Pierce, planning agent justified this decision on viability grounds, stressing the “substantial benefits” the project would bring to Portsmouth.

He highlighted the costs associated with the sea defence works, coastal walkway, and other contributions, will exceed £18.5 million.

This includes £13 million for sea walls and defences, £2.6 million for the coastal walkway, and a £2.65 million community infrastructure levy contribution to the council.

Councillor Matthew Winnington, noted that 50 of his Eastney and Craneswater residents opposed the project while five supported it.

Councillor Peter Candlish acknowledged both the potential harms and benefits of the project.

He pointed out the intangible loss of “solitude and quietness,” which he said is rare in the city and which the far end of Eastney currently offers.

However, he also noted the necessity of the sea defences and the improved beach access the development would bring, though recognising there would be a loss of utility for some groups.

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