Labour club building to become student flats and nursery

Romsey Labour Club in Mill Road will be redeveloped into 37 one-bed student rooms and a day nursery.

Planning permission was given despite 104 objections to the proposal. Just one comment was received in support.

Cllr Dave Baigent said the club was a part of the history of Romsey, and the presence of more student flats and houses of multiple occupancy (HMO) have made a material difference to the area.

He said: “Again, this is another tipping point for more student flats in an area that doesn’t need student flats, but needs housing.

“It’s a single storey building of great historical value. The conservation officer says in their report that [adding a second storey] doesn’t make any difference.

“How much public good is there in destroying a building that will never again be as it stands today? I know it’s in disrepair, but that doesn’t mean you destroy something.”

The redevelopment involves the demolition of the majority of the building, retaining the facade. The nursery would occupy the ground floor with student flats above it. Further student accommodation would be provided through two new apartment blocks that will replace the wings of the current building.