BCP Council (Christchurch area):Jess Glover MRTPI is delighted to announce that she has recently secured planning permission for the erection of a new domestic jetty and decking for a property in Mudeford, Christchurch.

The application site has a unique harbourside location and the applicant wished to maximise the potential of this so that they would be able to dock their boat from the rear of their property.

Given the site’s context – in the Christchurch Harbour SSSI, Solent and Dorset Coast SPA, the River Avon SAC and the Mudeford Quay Conservation Area – we worked closely with structural engineer, architect Aspire Architects and ecologist, to ensure that the scheme was sensitively designed to safeguard protected species and the character and appearance of the conservation area.   

Within our supporting design, access, planning and heritage statement we put forward a robust justification that the proposal was an appropriate design response to the site’s context and the jetty would not in itself give rise to demonstrable harm upon protected migratory bird and fish species, and the surrounding character and appearance of the conservation area.

During the application process, the LPA’s conservation officer raised a concern about the prominence of the structure as it was elevated higher than neighbouring jetties. After liaison with the design team, amended plans were produced which showed a slight reduction in the deck height, but would still be sufficient to allow access to the applicant’s pleasure craft.

Our client was delighted with the decision and is looking forward to beginning construction. If you should have any queries about developing on your site, please contact Pure Town Planning at info@puretownplanning.co.uk or on 01202 585524 and a member of the team would be more than happy to assist.