BCP Council (Poole area): Chris Miell has secured planning permission for a change of use of two
new-build office units into two flats in the Creekmoor area of Poole.
The site is located on Haymoor Road and falls within a designated employment area. It was historically occupied by an industrial premises, which was demolished several years ago to make way for a new three storey mixed-use development comprising of 9 x flats and 2 x offices. The office units were provided to ensure that the site would continue to contribute to vitality of the employment area.
The new development was designed by ARC Architecture for mutual client Amirez Developments. Shortly after completion in 2023, occupiers were found for all of the new flats at the site. However, the ground floor offices have remained vacant despite an extensive marketing campaign which commenced in August 2022. Therefore, the applicant appointed us to submit an application to convert these vacant units into two additional flats.
Due to the site’s location with an employment area, we appointed Sturt & Company to prepare a viability report to justify the loss of office use. Their detailed report demonstrated that there is an oversupply over employment opportunities in the region and the change of use will have no effect on the economy of the area.
Upon consideration of the application, the Planning Officer was supportive of the development, concluding with her report that “the loss of a small portion of an existing Employment Land on the border of the employment area, is not considered to compromise the activities and vitality of the employment area since there is some flexibility envisaged at the time of plan making.”
If you have a commercial premises and would like to pursue a change of use application for residential development, then why not call Pure Town Planning on 01202 585524 or email info@puretownplanning.co.uk to arrange a consultation to see how we can help you.