Work on the construction of Fort Gilkicker commenced in 1863 and took eight years to complete, with the finished fort providing a semi-circular firing arc from 22 gun placements, over the eastern end of Stokes Bay, Gosport. This was to augment the other forts and defences constructed in the area by order of the then Prime Minister, Lord Palmerston and known as the Palmerston Forts.
Before the First World War, the original firing positions were blocked up and the outer walls were further strengthened with substantial earthwork embankments, which will now be removed as part of the exciting plans for the Fort to be re-developed. Each of the original 22 gun placements will again be opened up to provide light and views for each of the 22 new three-storey houses which will be created, with stunning views over the Solent. The barrack block at the rear will provide a further four luxury apartments, making a total of 26 residential dwellings.
The current owners previously obtained the required consents from stakeholders including Gosport Borough Council, Historic England, Natural England and Stokes Bay Golf Course, with the Freehold Titles including the access road across the adjacent Stokes Bay Golf Course.
A Project Pack, to include previous estimates for the works required to complete the project and reports on proposed re-sale values for the finished homes will be included in the legal documentation, available to download from the Clive Emson website.
AuctioneerÂ’s Note
Fort Gilkicker has not been in use for many years and as a result contains trip hazards, does not have hand rails etc. Viewers are advised to proceed with due care and to dress appropriately, particularly in respect of their footwear.
Planning
Planning Consent was originally granted by the Secretary of State, following application to Gosport Borough Council under ref: K.9316/7, dated 17th August 2010, for Restoration of Grade II Listed Building and Scheduled Ancient Monument and Conversion to 26 Dwellings, Residents Stores and Interpretation Room, subject to conditions.
A copy of the Planning Consent, accompanying documents together with further subsequent correspondence and applications in respect of the site, including extensions to the planning consent and discharge of conditions under reference; Ref. No: 13/00312/EXT and Ref. No: 16/00444/VOC, may be downloaded from the Local Planning Authority website: gosport.gov.uk. Tel: 023 9258 4242.