Plans to bring more homes, a hotel and jobs to Fareham's former Coldeast Hospital site has been backed by local councillors.

Fareham Borough Council’s Planning Committee approved two planning applications to support the next phase of the regeneration of the 46 ha site in Sarisbury Green.

Site owners the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and Miller Homes have secured full planning permission to deliver a high quality, sustainable regeneration scheme that includes:

•128 new homes on the south east corner of the site, near the entry point off Brook Lane

•The restoration of the historic listed Mansion House which his to be converted into a 27-room hotel and wedding venue with parking for more than 100 guests and staff

-- Advertisement --

•The provision of 22 ha of woodland area and improved footpaths and cycle-ways around the site for recreational use

Outline planning permission was also granted for 40 sheltered housing apartments and the provision of a range of facilities, including a public swimming pool, community centre and meeting room, sports pitches, car parking and allotment space.

The decision gives an important boost for the local economy by providing construction-related employment opportunities and 15 jobs connected with the new hotel. It will also see the area benefit from the provision of more than 80 new affordable homes as part of the development, which includes all the sheltered apartments within the proposal.

As part of the planning agreement, land is to be transferred to the council to support the provision of the improved open space, facilities provided in the outline consent and the delivery of the sheltered accommodation. Partners will also work to agree additional investment in transport facilities, road improvements along the A27 and better routes to Sarisbury Infants School.

(CD)