A FORMER hair salon is set to be demolished with plans for two city centre townhouses.

Aiden Murray, planning director of Gentian Developments, has applied for the demolition of 50 Colebrook Street, in Winchester, to make way for the new development.

The shop frontage of the former Regis Hair Salon will be removed with parking included. 

The building will also be taller, in line with the former C&H building next door. 

This application is the latest from Gentian Developments who own a number of buildings in the High Street and are in the process of buying The Brooks Shopping Centre.

Hampshire Chronicle:

The site, centre right, in the 1950s

On the planning statement, it said: "Whilst located within the Winchester Conservation Area, the site in its current form is considered to detract from the historic environment and neither enhances or preserves the character of the Conservation Area. 

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"It is considered that the proposed redevelopment of the site will improve both the character and appearance of the Conservation Area which is considered to be a material consideration for the development.

"Whilst the site is located within the city centre, two parking bays have been included within the scheme which would provide each dwelling with one dedicated off road parking space.

Hampshire Chronicle:

"Overall, it is considered that the redevelopment of the site for two apartments would improve the character and appearance of the Conservation Area and would also create a highly sustainable development within Winchester city centre."

Former city councillor Ian Tait submitted a comment in support. Mr Tait said: “The existing building offers very little to the area, either as a commercial premises or in terms of its appearance. The proposal for re-development of this site with two flats is to be commended. The location is wonderful in terms of being in the heart of the city and the quality of the proposed accommodation is clear to see. I fully support this excellent planning application.”

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However, the Environment Agency object to the plan as they said the flood risk assessment was insufficient. 

Hampshire Chronicle:

Ottilie West, sustainable places advisor, said: “In the absence of an acceptable flood risk assessment (FRA) we object to this application and recommend that planning permission is refused. 

“The FRA does not adequately assess the flood risks posed by the development.

“The proposed development would restrict essential maintenance and emergency access to the watercourse.”

To see more details about the application online, search 22/02270/FUL on Winchester City Council's planning portal.