A tea merchant in Portsmouth is set to make way for more student accommodation.

The owner of Gadsden Tea, Andrew Gadsden, confirmed the store's closure would represent the first step towards relocating to a factory in Hilsea in the summer.

The site of Gadsden Tea was earmarked for residential development in Portsmouth City Council's 2012 Somers Town and North Southsea Area Action Plan.

However, a planning application calling for the construction of a four-storey block of student flats was granted approval in 2013. The plans consist of a 66-bed block of student accommodation and three commercial units.

Commenting on the proposed development, Portsmouth City Councils leader Donna Jones, suggested any related building project would be a decision for the developer, despite being a partial landowner. However, it was recognised that Portsmouth has a need for young professionals to live in good-quality accommodation and requires more student accommodation.