Developer to unveil four-storey flats plan for Steamer Point

NEW plans to redevelop the former Coastguard training centre overlooking Christchurch Bay with a mixture of flats and homes are going on show to the public.

Pennyfarthing Homes has invited over 400 local households and businesses to give their feedback on the proposed development at Steamer Point.

The scheme is for a total of 29 homes comprising 17 apartments in a four-storey block plus 12 houses.

Pennyfarthing’s bid to develop the site off Penny Way comes after two previous attempts by the then owners, the Marine Coastguard Agency (MCA), were refused by the former Christchurch Borough Council.

Local residents were concerned about over development, loss of character, the felling of protected trees and inadequate parking.

The MCA went to appeal and eventually won outline planning permission to build 26 homes, but then sold the site to Pennyfarthing.

The exhibition is being held on Tuesday 18th June at St Mark’s church hall, Hinton Wood Avenue, Highcliffe, from 3pm to 7pm.

Visitors will be able to speak to members of the project team and give their views before the planning application is submitted.

The company has refused to release any further details of the proposed scheme ahead of the exhibition, but said it has reduced the overall footprint by including flats. The homes will be sited at the southern end of the point so they will not be close to existing houses nearby, it added.

Pennyfarthing land and planning director Ben Arnold said: “Our proposals represent a fantastic opportunity to regenerate a vacant, brownfield site, which has been run-down for a number of years.

“This is a prime location for residential development and we are seeking to create a landmark scheme for Christchurch, which meets the exemplary design and construction standards that we have built our reputation on.”

Local residents can also find out more about the plans by contacting the consultation team at PennyfarthingHomes@becg.com or on the freephone information line, 0800 298 7040.

A dedicated project website – www.steamerpoint.consultationonline.co.uk – has also been established to provide updates throughout the project.