Winchester planners reject plans to demolish RAOB club

As previously reported, Planning agents Southern Planning Practice applied to Winchester City Council for permission to tear down the RAOB club in Cross Keys Passage and redevelop the site into a block of flats.

The building would consist of six flats, three with one bedroom and three with two bedrooms, a communal roof terrace, and a 75 sqm commercial/retail unit on the ground floor.

City council planning officers recommended refusal, due to it failing to recognise, protect and enhance the surrounding character of the area including its historic features.

The former RAOB Club (Image: Chris Atkinson)

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The application was refused by the planning committee on Wednesday, September 25.

Agents for the application Alice Drew and Ross Galtress addressed the committee, attempting to persuade the members to vote against the officers' recommendation.

Mr Galtress said that “much of the officer's report is subjective and, at times, misleading.”

He continued: “The reality is you won’t see the vast majority of the south, west and east elevations of the proposal because of the street pattern and the buildings surrounding it in both the existing and future conditions.

“In Colebrook Street, the proposal will appear above the roofs of 154 to 159, however, the outline included in the officer’s report is inaccurate and does not show the reduced height of the latest plans. Despite that, the proposal will have limited impact on its view.”

Ms Drew said: “The redevelopment of the RAOB Club is hugely important to the Central Winchester Regeneration area, and the proposals as currently designed will act as a catalyst for the area’s regeneration.

“Ten comments of support were made in respect of the application, and only three objections were received. This alone demonstrates that there is a need for the site’s redevelopment.”

Cllr Jane Rutter said: “The supporters of the proposal said that they consider the officers' views on this to be subjective, but I would like to point out that, amongst others, the City of Winchester Trust objects due to height, roof form, building details and surroundings. And we all have huge respect for the trust, particularly when we are looking at places that are so important to the city and its redevelopment.

“I have serious concerns about this application, and I am perfectly happy to support the officers' recommendation.

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Cllr Angela Clear said: “I must say the appearance of the area does vary, as it says in the report, but not always in the best way. But I think the height and the scale and the layout, that comes into question here and that is the main reason I would support the officer’s recommendation on this.”

Cllr Brian Laming said: “I agree with Cllr Clear on this. I think this is a very sensitive area, and I don’t think this design is sensitive at all, really. It is overbearing on listed assets, and on that point of view I am happy to support the recommendation.”

The committee voted unanimously to refuse the application.