A Fareham company looks set to have a bid to set up new offices at an historic site refused.

Hellyer's of Fareham Ltd wants to build offices and workshops on the site of a former gas depot at Fort Fareham, Newgate Lane.

But Fareham Borough Council planning officers recommend refusal, saying the plan is contrary to policy on scheduled ancient monuments.

The fort is scheduled in recognition of its national importance and is currently on English Heritage's buildings at risk register.

The coach company is presently based at Fort Wallington but wants to move its depot to Fort Fareham, a lot which has been long vacant. Apart from offices and workshops the firm wishes to provide parking for employees and its own coaches.

But although the fort is now used entirely for commercial purposes Fareham Borough Council officers say the present scheme is contrary to the management plan for Fort Fareham, which has an objective to improve the interior landscape of the fort by using the military structure as the framework for the industrial estate.

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