Flats on Fairfield Works site in Christchurch 'would improve area's character'

BUILDING seven flats on the site of the Fairfield Works in Christchurch would improve the look of the area, a developer has claimed.

All of the flats or maisonettes would be two-bed in a three-storey block, according to an outline planning application to BCP Council, writes Trevor Bevins of the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The proposals, if approved, would see a slight increase in the number of car parking spaces, from two to three spaces, with the addition of 14 cycle spaces.

The corner site, at 1-3 Fairfield, is currently used for offices and light industrial warehousing.

The application said: “Overall the buildings appear dated, in a poor state of repair with a range of makeshift additions and has very limited architectural merit. We would go to the extent that the existing buildings make a negative contribution in the locality.”

It said that with flats next door and opposite, the plot is now the road's only commercial site, in contrast to what is around it.

The proposal is for a three-storey development on the 0.42-hectare site which the developer claimed will fit comfortably in the street and not be overly prominent adjacent to Avon Buildings.

A decision is expected by BCP Council after the deadline for public comments on 16th August.