Plan for 10 flats beside Meteor retail park in Christchurch refused by BCP Council

AN application to build two blocks of flats on Somerford Road in Christchurch has been refused after BCP Council said the buildings had a “hostile, poor quality” appearance.

Springacre Holdings had wanted to erect 10 flats on the site of what is currently a mix of offices and a light industrial unit beside the Meteor retail park.

It said the plan would “create a carefully balanced and attractive proposal which does not represent over-development of the site.”

But the council’s planning department disagreed saying the design, siting and scale of the buildings would have an "adverse impact on the character and appearance" of the neighbourhood.

It also said the development would "not function well or contribute to the quality of the area".

Springacre Holdings had planned to erect one block of four two-bedroom flats and two one-bedroom. The other building would house four two-bedroom flats.

Christchurch Town Council had commented on the plans saying it was worried that allowing the development would put "pressure" on Somerford Road.

Turning down the application BCP Council said the design would “result in a poor living environment and loss of outlook” for residents of future homes on the site.