Plans to build 38 flats in Christchurch will see Chinese restaurant demolished

A CHINESE restaurant in Christchurch may be torn down to help make way for three blocks of flats if plans are given the go-ahead.

Calendula Assets Limited – Bournemouth’s biggest property landlord and which trades under the name of DWP Housing Partnership – has proposed a trio of three-storey blocks comprising 38 flats at 215-225 Barrack Road, as well as 21 parking spaces.

It already has planning permission to develop the majority of the land with 34 flats – a bid it first submitted more than 10 years ago and can enact even if this one fails.

But the plans have already attracted five objections from local residents. One was worried about the “insufficient parking” it provided, noting local businesses on the road and residents already “fought” over a lack of available space.

In planning documents the developer said it has chosen to submit a new, bigger development as it had recently purchased the Dragon Palace takeaway at 215 Barrack Road.

A design statement by agent Ken Parke Planning said the acquisition of Dragon Palace meant “the opportunity presents to provide a more comprehensive development on both combined pieces of land in order to deliver a more efficient, comprehensive development across available land”.

It said the applicant was a “major” housing provider and “aware of client and market requirements”.

The statement added: “The proposals provide a much enhanced quality of accommodation within an improved and quality residential environment and are to be preferred above the extant scheme.

“The parking arrangement has been already considered acceptable and the amount proposed is less than the extant situation.”

BCP Council will have the final say over the proposal.