UK: Southampton City Council officers have objected to plans re-submitted by Sabre Commercial Investments for a 26-key aparthotel on Winchester Road.
In February 2023, Sabre submitted a new planning application to build a 26-bedroom aparthotel on Winchester Road opposite the Hollybrook roundabout in Southampton. It followed a previous refusal in November 2022 at the same site.
According to the company’s new documents, plans include nine car parking spaces, 20 bike spaces, electric vehicle charging points, and an e-scooter docking station.
While a formal decision has not yet been made, the scheme has been recommended for refusal by Southampton City Council officers.
In an objection letter, Bassett ward councillor Richard Blackman said: “I am writing to object to the plans for a 26-bed apart hotel at 382 Winchester Road.
“I am particularly concerned about the limited parking facilities. Provision remains inadequate, with heavy pressure on neighbouring streets and the Sports Centre car park. Placing additional demand for parking on these roads would cause considerable inconvenience to residents as well as spread the problem to roads further afield, which also already have significant competition for parking places.
“I am also concerned about the addition of a site with busy entrance and exit requirements on Hill Lane so close to the busy Hollybrook roundabout. This will generate further complexity and additional hazards,” he added.
Conservative councillor for Bassett ward, John Hannides, also objected to the proposal. He stated reasons such as overdevelopment, not in keeping with the character of the area, and unsafe location for safe access.
Swaything councillor Lorna Fielker said: “I object to this planning application on the grounds of the adequacy of parking and its impact on the Outdoor Sports Centre.
“The application states that the Outdoor Sports Centre car parking spaces can be utilised to further minimise the impact on parking on local residential streets’ by arguing that these spaces are more lightly used in the evening. The facilities at the Sports Centre contribute to the We Can Be Active Strategy by encouraging more people to take up exercise. The promotion of parking here by the applicant for guests to the hotel will place undue pressure on parking available for users of the centre, which may discourage usage.”
