Villagers' fury over block of 23 flats at 31-33 Wharncliffe Road on Highcliffe seafront
A PLAN to build a four-storey block of 23 flats on Highcliffe seafront has been branded “wholly unacceptable” with angry residents branding it “ugly and oversized.”
Wareham-based developer Burry & Knight Ltd wants to demolish two homes at 31-33 Wharncliffe Road and build seven one-bed, eight two-bed and eight three-bed apartments, along with a basement car park for 44 cars.
The site is near the clifftop car park beside the Cliffhanger restaurant and boasts uninterrupted sea views. Images of the proposed building show an ultra-modern, glazed fronted block with two three-bedroom penthouses on top.
There have been more than 80 objections to the plan so far, and feelings are running so high in the village a public meeting has been called at the Old School building at 2pm tomorrow (Saturday).
It was organised by Independent councillor for the village, Andy Martin, who claims the apartment block is “way too large and too high” adding: “If it is allowed it would set a damaging precedent for the seafront of Highcliffe and is wholly unacceptable.”
He said the flats would “dwarf neighbouring properties at this sensitive location” and that there was already an “oversupply” of flats in the village, with many being used as second homes.
Local residents objecting to the proposed scheme have branded it “ugly and oversized” and “more like a corporate HQ than flats”, adding it will “dominate” the seafront.
One objector pointed out: “It is so hard to believe Highcliffe needs another block of flats when two blocks have only recently been completed in the same road and are not yet all sold. Where are the family and affordable homes that are required? The character of this road is slowly being destroyed.”
One person who lives close to the site said: “We think this building will be far too large for the site and also one floor too high. It will not be in keeping with the residential road, and it will be an eyesore to look at.”
Chapman Lilly Planning, acting on behalf of the applicant, say there are already a “significant number of apartment blocks along Wharncliffe Road.”
It says the development would “complement the varied character” of the road and “would not appear overbearing to its adjoining neighbours”.
BrightSpace Architects said in its design and access statement the building would be “an improvement to the street scene” and would also “increase the value of adjacent properties”.
