Four-storey designs unveiled for clifftop apartments scheme

DEVELOPERS revealed their plans to build houses and flats on a clifftop site in Christchurch at a public exhibition.

Pennyfarthing Homes Ltd have bought the former Coastguard training centre at Steamer Point with the main feature of the scheme a four-storey Art Deco block of 17 apartments on the front of the site overlooking Christchurch Bay.

The company say that along with the 12 detached houses, they will create “visual interest” for people who are using the nearby access to the beach and Steamer Point nature reserve.

The proposals went on show at a public consultation held on Monday at St Mark’s church hall in Highcliffe.

There is currently planning permission for 26 homes on the site, which was granted by a planning inspector after being refused by the former borough council.

Local residents had expressed concern about overdevelopment, loss of character, the felling of protected trees and inadequate parking.

But at the exhibition Pennyfarthing said it would be incorporating a number of measures to ensure these concerns were addressed.

It has pledged to improve landscaping including planting new trees and introducing a communal amenity space.

It also said it is working with landscape architects to ensure the “best solution” for making the development as compatible with the surrounding area as possible.

The company promised to protect the site’s wildlife population, saying: “Every care will be taken to supporting existing habitats during building.”

It also pledged it would not “compromise” public access to the cliff top.

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.”

Speaking about the public consultation, which Mr Arnold said around 150 people had attended, he commented: “We were encouraged, also, that many of those were pleased to see something being done with the site and expressed support for the plans.

“Over the coming weeks, we will review the feedback we have received with the aim of submitting a planning application in July.”

Residents can find out more about the plans by contacting PennyfarthingHomes@becg.com or by phoning 0800 298 7040.

Regular updates about the project will also be posted on the website www.steamerpoint.consultationonline.co.uk.