An application to build moorings for four houseboats on the banks of the Itchen, off Whitworth Crescent, goes before city planners on Tuesday (August 4), with some residents expected to attend to underline their objections.
The application submitted in 2014, which we reported here, has been amended to “seek to facilitate four genuine houseboats”, rather than bungalows on pontoons, according to the planning officer's report, which recommends approval of the plans subject to various conditions.
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Residents objecting to the application make various points, including concerns about the foreshore being a protected waterside open space; possible damage to the character of the area and Whitworth street scene; potential effects on wildlife including swans, otters and migrating salmon; a “lack of detail” on plans for the houseboats including about the number of people they'll accommodate, how big the boats will be and their effect on views; and concerns about parking and noise.
Planning officers, on the other hand, say in their report that the provision of four housing units will aid the council's housing supply, and the principle of development for pontoons and facilities for houseboats is acceptable.
“Houseboats are acceptable provided their design and siting does not unacceptably harm the character of the river frontage or adversely affect nature conservation interests; and suitable arrangements can be made for parking, refuse storage, access and service connections. Officers feel that this is the case here...” says the report to the planning committee, which meets at 6pm on August 4 at the Civic Centre.