BCP Council (formerly Bournemouth Borough Council): Matt Annen, director of Pure Town Planning is very happy to have delivered planning permission for the demolition of existing light industrial buildings and the erection of a traditionally-styled building containing 12 flats in the Westbourne Conservation area. The scheme was expertly designed by local firm; Anders Roberts Cheer Architects.

The residential development of this site posed a number of constraints, but with close liaison and extensive negotiations with the planning officer, which included a number of revisions to the original submission, we were able to successfully overcome every hurdle which included:

  • Impact on character and appearance of the Conservation Area
    • Loss of historic buildings
    • Loss of original backland mews layout
    • Impact of new design on character and appearance
  • Highway Issues
    • Parking compared with extant prior approval for 14 units
    • Layout
    • Access
    • Bin collection and storage
  • Impact on Neighbouring property
    • Over shadowing and physical impact
    • Overlooking
    • Proximity to neighbouring units
  • Impact on trees in neighbouring site.

The conservation officer initially raised concerns with the proposal but the loss of the original group of buildings was considered carefully and robustly justified in the planning statement submission. The planning officer agreed with our arguments on this matter that “whilst their loss is regrettable in my view this does not result in substantial harm. There are better examples that have been preserved… Importantly the retention of the courtyard wall will maintain a historic element”. The applicant also agreed to provide a plaque on site to explain the history of the site for future reference which was well received by the Council’s conservation team.

In summing up his thoughts on the proposal the appointed officer considered that the existing buildings were becoming dilapidated and have the potential to be bad neighbours in the future. The proposal provides additional housing in a highly sustainable location to meet housing
targets. “To conclude I consider, on balance, that the benefits outweigh the concerns”.

Here at Pure Town Planning, we like nothing more than securing our clients planning approvals. If you have a brownfield site which you feel could be a potential residential development site which you would like us to assess, why not give us a call or email info@puretownplanning.co.uk for a free of charge, confidential planning appraisal