'Iconic' fire-hit pub to be demolished and rebuilt

The wrecked building will be demolished and replaced with a four-storey glass and wood fronted new pub and restaurant

Permission has been granted to demolish the charred remains of an "iconic" pub that was gutted by fire.

A much-loved community hub, the Osborne View on Hill Head Road, Fareham, was lost to fire in February 2024.

A planning application from pub owners Hall and Woodhouse Ltd was brought before Fareham Borough Council's planning committee on 12 March.

A replacement four-storey pub and restaurant with staff accommodation, reorganisation of the car parking, and garden terrace to the beach was approved for the site.

It was described as a "golden opportunity" to bring a more modern building to the area.

Plans include a beach bar, restaurant and staff accommodation

The new three glazed terraces will replace what the council officer called a "mish-mash" of buildings.

Stubbington ward councillor and Fareham mayor Pal Hayre said: "Osborne View has always been an iconic part of Hill Head and its rebuilding will be a significant step in rebuilding both its role and heritage at the heart of our community.

"There has been a hole in the community since it burnt down. It was a community pub, a unique place that helped the local economy."

During the meeting, a resident requested a wall to replace the fence that boundaries his home with the pub car park.

In an unusual move, and with agreement from the applicant's representative, the council officers moved to put that request as part of the planning permission.

The committee voted unanimously to approve the plans.

The plans were described as a "golden opportunity" to bring a more modern building to the area

Speaking after the meeting, Mark James, property director at Hall and Woodhouse, said: "We are delighted to confirm that the planning application to rebuild the Osborne View pub has been approved by Fareham Borough Council.

"We can't wait to start work, and hope to build something truly special that will attract old and new guests alike, and be a real asset to the local community."