Flats plan for part of Lloyds bank in Gosport High Street

Planning chiefs are studying an application relating to the Gosport branch of Lloyds, much of which is either empty or under-utilised.

Alterations will also be made to an adjoining building used by Lloyds if the scheme is given the go-ahead.

The bank, one of the biggest and most impressive buildings in the main shopping area, occupies a prime site at the junction of High Street and North Cross Street.

Plans to turn the former Barclays bank in Gosport into eight flats were approved earlier this year (Image: Newsquest)

Plans to convert part of the complex into housing have been submitted by Dow Properties.

READ MORE: Former Barclays bank building in Gosport High Street set to become flats after plans approved

A design and access statement that accompanies the application says: "The main building has operated as a bank since its construction and is presently leased by Lloyds Bank Ltd from the applicant.

"The adjacent building, an extension added in 1967, was gradually integrated into the bank’s operations over the following years.

"The decline in the presence of traditional bank branches in town centres has significantly increased in recent years.

"This has been due to the digital banking revolution, changing customer habits, the Covid-19 pandemic and cost-cutting by banks.

"As a result of this trend, large areas of the building are currently unused or under-used, including the vault, offices, and storage areas on the second floor.

"The proposal seeks to release the site’s development potential and create a new, mixed-use building sitting harmoniously within its context.

"Vacant and under-used areas would be remodelled to create residential flats, but not to the detriment of maintaining a viable commercial unit."

Proposals to turn part of the Lloyds bank building into flats have been submitted to the borough council (Image: Newsquest)

The applicant is seeking consent to provide nine apartments over four floors.

If the scheme goes ahead, former offices and the vault will be converted into one of the new flats, with direct access from North Cross Street.

The adjoining building will be extended upwards to provide additional accommodation.

READ MORE: Amber Taverns submits plan to turn Gosport Conservative Club into pub

According to Dow Properties, housing on the upper floors of both buildings will improve town centre security by creating a high level of natural surveillance.

"No alterations are proposed to the main bank building, with the exception of the new residents’ entrance on North Cross Street," says the statement.

"The design will create a sustainable form of development through its social, economic, and environmental benefits."

Earlier this year, plans to convert another Gosport bank into eight flats were given the go-ahead.

An application by London-based KMP Solutions to breathe new life into the old Barclays building in the high street was approved by the borough council.