BCP Council (Bournemouth area): Chris Miell has recently secured planning permission for the demolition of two existing buildings and the erection of 13 dwellings at Belle Vue Road, Southbourne.
The approved plans, which were prepared by ARC Architecture, will provide 12 x flats and 1 x self-contained duplex unit with a private garden and associated parking. The bulk, scale, massing and appearance of the development has been informed by the traditional interwar properties along Belle Vue Road, which ensures that the development will respond positively to the character and appearance of the area.
The site has a detailed planning history, which includes a permission that was granted at appeal in 2008 to erect 14 flats at the site. The permission was not implemented, but the Inspector’s decision was an important material planning consideration in this case.
Prior to the submission of the latest application, our first step was to review the approved plans from 2008 and look at what we could do to improve the previous scheme for the benefit of the local area, neighbouring residents and the future occupants. The footprint of the initial submission to the LPA aligned closely with the previously approved footprint and would have delivered 14 x flats with a vastly improved design approach.
Following discussions with the Planning Officer, we made additional positives changes to further improve the overall development and submitted amended plans to the LPA, which resulted in a reduction to 13 units. These changes included improvements to the internal layout of the development to provide a greater proportion of two bed flats, including a self-contained duplex unit with a private garden, and positive changes to the footprint and roof form to break up the massing of the building.
Despite the high-quality design approach, due to objections from a small number of local residents, the application was red carded by a Ward Councillor and taken before the Planning Committee for decision. The application was recommended for approval by the Planning Officer. Upon reviewing the case and hearing our deputation, the application was unanimously approved by members of the Planning Committee (14 votes out of 14), which is testament to the quality of the proposal.
The approved development will make effective use of under-utilised land and provide housing for a mixed demographic in an area where land supply is constrained, whilst safeguarding the character and appearance of the area and neighbouring amenity, which is consistent with Government policy contained within the NPPF.
If you would like to pursue a residential development, then why not call Pure Town Planning on
01202 585524 or email info@puretownplanning.co.uk to see how we can help you.