Gosport: Rose and Crown in Stoke Road set to become HMO

Gosport Borough Council has approved an application relating to the Rose and Crown, one of several watering holes in the town that have closed in recent years.

Stoke Road Ltd has been given the go-ahead to extend and convert the property, which is in a poor state of repair.

A planning statement that accompanied the application said: "There is an increasing demand for shared living properties for young professionals who cannot afford to get onto the property ladder.

"This will also provide a more social experience than a similarly priced single studio."

Under the plan, the new-look building will comprise a shop on the ground floor with bedrooms both behind and above.

The Rose and Crown is one of several Gosport pubs that have served their last pint (Image: Supplied)

A council report said: "While the retained commercial element at the site would be small it would maintain an active frontage. The smaller floor area may appeal to more modern forms of retail/service uses that could contribute to the vitality of the area.

"Furthermore, the use of the rear section of the ground floor and accommodation above as an HMO is considered to be an optimal use of the site.

"The proposal has been amended from that originally submitted to address concerns in respect of design.

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"Overall, it is considered that the proposed external alterations and additions to the building are acceptable in design terms, relating appropriately with the neighbouring properties and the wider streetscene.

"As such, the proposal would preserve the character and appearance of the Stoke Road Conservation Area.

"It is not considered that the general level of activity associated with a small commercial unit and a ten-bedroom HMO would be significantly greater than a public house with an external beer garden and ancillary residential accommodation above."

The Rose and Crown is a short walk from the Royal Arms Hotel, which has also closed (Image: Supplied)

The Rose and Crown is a short walk from the Royal Arms Hotel, which has also shut.

The Grade II-listed building became known as the Submariners' Pub after becoming popular with crews returning to HMS Dolphin in Gosport following a tour of duty.

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Other Gosport watering holes that have called time include The Vine, also in Stoke Road, and the George and Dragon in South Street.

Thousands of bars, pubs, and restaurants across the country have pulled down the shutters in recent times.

The number of licensed premises in Britain fell by 3.6 per cent - from 103,682 to 99,916 - in the year to September 2023.