C O N T E X T 1 2 2 : N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1 17 Infrastructure Organisation and the obsolescence of many historic buildings (in terms of their military function) have meant that the borough has a higher than normal percentage of listed buildings that are at risk. Gosport Borough Council’s conservation and design section takes a lead role in setting out clearly and simply the issues each site has to face, the extent of the heritage interest, where further research is needed, and the sense of place.This proactive role is essential to help complex sites to progress. At the point of the initial discussions with developers it is normally agreed that a detailed application on a major site is not realistic or reasonable. Although a planning authority can insist on a detailed application where conservation areas are affected, we have taken the view that a hybrid application is normally sufficient at the first stage, followed by detailed applications as each phase is developed over time. The term ‘hybrid application’ can be interpreted in more than one way. In our experience it varies from site to site.We have taken it to mean an outline application supported by extra information to help inform the development: for example, plans detailing potential massing, photomontages of key views, methodologies detailing how a developer would approach work such as repairs or landscaping, and so forth. On very sensitive parts of a large site a detailed application may be required as part of a broader outline. The Royal Clarence Victualling Yard, released in 1998, is a site that had a long history before eventually becoming one of three national naval victualling sites in the 1820s. In addition to several listed buildings, and extensive scheduled ramparts, the site suffered from both flood risk and contamination.The area is covered by two conservation areas.We agreed with the architects that an archaeological management plan and a demonstration of a clear understanding of the historic development of the site and its landscape were essential at outline stage. We also agreed that they would need to present a proposed layout plan showing where they intended to site new buildings and a massing plan showing the scale of that new build. Additionally, elevation details for potential new build on the most sensitive parts of the site were provided to indicate the style of building that the developer proposed. A key part of the negotiations was to agree a phasing plan for the site to ensure that there was a balance between ensuring that important historic buildings were brought into use and that the developer was able to continue the development in viable stages. This phasing plan included provision for further research into individual buildings at each stage of the development. Once outline permission was achieved, the developer began the first of a series of detailed applications. This included a detailed analysis of the historic fixtures and fittings and character of affected listed buildings, and extensive archaeological excavation. Full details of proposed new build were also prepared at this stage. Over the 10 years during which the site has been developing this format has worked successfully. It has given confidence to the developer that it had a consent to achieve the necessary funding from banks, and to the local planning authority that sufficient controls were in place to protect the special interest of the site. The applicant faced considerable expense in having to provide a new flood defence wall, and in removing contamination caused by a leaking fuel pipeline. Nevertheless, a mixed Left:The Guardhouse at Royal ClarenceYard, now a children’s nursery Top right:The restored Officers Barracks at St George Barracks North Bottom right:The 18th century Pump House at Royal ClarenceYard, now a successful cafe
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