£700k Hampshire, ENGLAND. Historic Sea Fort for Sale
A unique opportunity to acquire and redevelop one of the world's most intriguing and unusual properties – a 99,000 sq ft defensive fort built (at huge expense) between 1865 and 1880.
Horse Sand Fort is situated in the Solent, between Southsea and the Isle of Wight, and is one of three similar sea forts constructed between 1865 and 1880 to head off the threat of seaborne invasion from France. The reputed original construction cost was £425,000!
Extending to 9,197 sq.m. (99,000 sq.ft), the original fort was constructed over four levels, the middle two of which housed some 45 cannon, with further armaments on the roof. An inner courtyard housed accommodation and a well. In the Second World War additional structures were added to the upper storey, including look-out posts and anti-aircraft guns which were used to protect the nearby Portsmouth Dockyard.
The nearby sister forts, No Mans and the smaller Spitbank, have both enjoyed a new lease of life in recent years with multi-million pound conversion into hotel and wedding/weekend retreat locations, but Horse Sand Fort is still in much the same condition as it was when it was surplus to MOD requirements in the 1960s.
A Planning Consent has previously been obtained for conversion to form 14 residential apartments, though this was not implemented. Horse Sand Fort now offers a clean slate and numerous future potential commercial or residential uses for the new owners, subject to all necessary consents being obtainable.
Planning
Planning Permission was granted by Portsmouth City Council, under ref: A*38587/AA, dated 1st April 2004, for conversion to form 14 apartments, subject to conditions, but this consent was never implemented so has now lapsed.
A copy of the lapsed Planning Consent and proposed plans will be available to download from the Clive Emson website, inspection at the Auctioneers Office, or via the Portsmouth City Council website.