Apartment blocks plan will create 'flat city', claim objectors

A PLAN to demolish two Highcliffe homes and replace them with apartment blocks will turn the village into “flat city”, according to an objector.

Hurst and Hurst Estate Ltd wants to build 13 contemporary-style apartments in two buildings with parking in Wharncliffe Road which they say will complement existing modern homes in the area.

The development will have a mix of pitched and flat roofs of varying heights so as to allow them to “successfully integrate into the existing street scene”, the company said.

The use of “high levels” of glazing will also give the buildings a “lightweight appearance” which “preserves the local distinctiveness of the area”.

But objecting to the plan, one resident who lives in the road said: “When we purchased this house in November 2013 it was on the understanding that the council wanted to see this sea-facing part of Wharncliffe Road to continue to be an area of detached houses – indeed, a flats proposal for our site had been refused on that basis.

“That principle has been steadily eroded as more and more flats have been developed along the road.

“Highcliffe is in serious danger of becoming nothing more than ‘flat city’ which we believe will be to the significant detriment of the whole area.”

Another objector said: “If this planning application is allowed it will continue to destroy the character of Wharncliffe Road. The road is becoming developed with many apartment blocks rather than family homes.

“It is wrong that two lovely, well-maintained family homes are being destroyed to create yet more apartments. There are no affordable homes in this development so they will be out of the reach of many younger couples and families.

“They are sited very close to the neighbouring properties and will give the road a very built-up appearance. No doubt the council will allow this development as they will gain another 11 lots of council tax.”

A total of eight trees will be removed to make way for the apartments if they are given the go-ahead. The developer said it will plant new trees in their place and landscape the area.

It has also agreed to provide bee bricks, nest boxes, bat roosting features, a fruit tree, and hedgehog-friendly fencing.

A decision will be made later by BCP Council.