Developer adds two more homes to plans for flats next to supermarket
REVISED plans to build six flats on a vacant piece of land next to the Asda supermarket in Totton have been submitted to NFDC.
Roxan Homes has requested planning permission to build the one and two-bed properties on land behind The Old Cinema in Junction Road. There would be no on-site parking, and a new pedestrian access from Maynard Road would be created.
The company was given approval for four flats on the site in December 2019, but the new application includes an additional two dwellings, taking the total to six,
The site is named after the former Savoy Cinema which first opened there in 1935 and ran until 1961. It was put to alternative entertainment uses until 1977, when it was converted into a factory.
Following its sale in 1997 it was turned into flats and became known as Savoy House. However, in 2015 residents were evacuated from the council-run building as a result of structural faults as well as fire safety and asbestos issues, and the site was sold in 2016 to Roxan Homes. The properties were refurbished and renamed The Old Cinema.
In documents submitted to the district council the applicant states: “The current application has sought to replicate the design principles and philosophy of the previously approved scheme as far as possible, whilst utilising the significant roof voids created by the two gable roof structures to provide the additional living accommodation.
“The site is in a transitional zone, located between industrial and residential buildings. This allows creative freedom with certain architectural features drawn from both the industrial and nearby terraced houses to create a design solution that complements and blends the two together.”
The application has so far received one comment on behalf of Asda Stores Limited, which borders the site. Submitted as a neutral comment, the spokesperson wrote: “Asda made representations to the previous application for this site given concerns about potential noise issues arising from the close proximity of the Asda service yard.
“As a result of the representations, the approval included a condition added that requires scheme for glazing spec and alternative ventilation to be submitted and approved.
“Asda considers there is a need to be careful of the bedroom window on the rear facade of the new scheme. It is 90 degrees to the service yard, but still very close. Asda would therefore like to ensure that if the council is minded to grant permission for the new scheme that the same condition is included.”
No other representations have been made, either for or against the plans. The public consultation period ends on 15th May, with a decision expected to be made by the district council by 10th June.
