Portsmouth skyscraper plans to replace derelict Brunel House

Plans have been submitted to replace an "eyesore" derelict building in Portsmouth with a 40-storey skyscraper.

Developers want to replace the 1960s-style Brunel House with a 387ft (118m) tower including student accommodation, residential flats and retail units.

Portsmouth Society planning officer John Holland said the plans were an "exciting proposal".

The skyscraper would form part of The Hard waterfront redevelopment between HMS Warrior and Gunwharf Quays.

Plans submitted to Portsmouth City Council include accommodation for about 500 students, and almost 330 apartments.

There would also be a restaurant, cafe and a multi-storey car park for 300 vehicles.

Bouygues Development managing director Nicolas Guérin said: "The scheme will be great for Portsmouth, complementing the historic heritage of the dockyards and at the same time bringing economic opportunities to the area."

Mr Holland said: "The old Brunel House has been an eyesore for too long."

Plans to include a hotel have been scrapped and there are no plans to include affordable housing.

In its planning application, Bouygues Development said the cost of including affordable housing would make the proposed "development unviable".

A Portsmouth City Council spokesman said it would not comment on whether the application could be affected for going against the usual city council policy promoting affordable housing.

People have until 23 May to submit views on the plans, external to Portsmouth City Council.