Application for 12 flats in Castle Lane East, Bournemouth

Developers submitted a second application to construct a three-storey flat block in Castle Lane East, Bournemouth, after their first proposal was rejected.

The proposal seeks to demolish the existing dwelling and erect a 12-unit residential block with associated access and parking in the form of six one bedroom and six two bedroom flats.

In the proposal, developers said the building would be of “traditional style, with carefully designed fenestration arrangements to avoid harm to neighbouring amenities”.

However, nearby residents and chair of the Bournemouth Civic Society have dubbed the proposal “inappropriate” and “detrimental” to the character of the area.

Proposed site in Castle Lane East, Bournemouth. Picture: Pure Town Planning

Civic Society chair Ken Matlock said: “Although the Society accepts that what is proposed is quite an accomplished design, we would agree in general with the majority of the 42 emails of local comment which find the new block inappropriate to the neighbourhood.

“It is felt the large dimensions of the three-storey structure would have a detrimental effect on the established social character of the area where the majority of the family houses are of two storeys.

“There were fears the new population of the small flats would introduce values that were incompatible with the established local mores. Moreover, it was thought that increased traffic on the corner of Holdenhurst Road would increase the risk to residents and children going to the local school.

“The Society, having thought deeply about the matter would suggest that if a new development is permitted on this site, then a smaller block of say only six flats should be permitted.

“Consequently, we have decided that since this proposal does not comply with the townscape policies of the Bournemouth Local Plan, it should be refused.”

Proposed site in Castle Lane East, Bournemouth. Picture: Pure Town Planning

Conversely, plans state the proposal “respects the character and pattern” of homes in the area.

It also says: “The amount of development proposed has been carefully balanced to create an attractive scheme, whilst not representing an overdevelopment of the site. The proposal will not create an overbearing impact on the neighbouring properties.”

One resident said: “The building work and finished development will cause huge congestion issues on an already overcrowded and dangerous junction.

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“New plans have been submitted by the developer with little or no consideration for previous objections raised.

“The area will become impossible to navigate through and will negatively affect local people for several miles, many of whom are unaware of the catastrophic disruption they will face if this developer gets council approval.”

The proposal will keep the front and side garden space which is consistent with other properties on Castle Lane East. The application is also supported in a report by Gwydion’s Tree Consultancy.