44-apartment block at Carisbrooke, Poole

What was proposed

The application sought demolition of existing buildings and construction of a seven-floor block containing 44 apartments, parking, storage, access and a relocated substation.

“This application is submitted in full and seeks consent for the demolition of existing buildings and the erection of a single block of 44 apartments, over seven floors (including basement) with associated access, basement parking and cycle/bin storage (and the relocation of the existing substation).”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site contains two apartment towers, garages and wooded slopes, with flats, bungalows, protected trees, a nature reserve and a conservation area nearby.

“To the south is Imbrecourt Housing Estate to the south, which largely consists of bungalows. In between the bungalows and the application site the area is landscaped with mature trees, providing a buffer zone. To the east the site boarders Canford Cliffs Road, whilst to the north of the, many of the buildings are larger in scale than usual when compared to typical residential areas, with the majority of buildings being flats which continues to the south along Haven Road.”

“Directly to the north of the development is Chetwynd, 170 Canford Cliffs Road, which is a 5- storey development consisting of flats. To the immediate north of Chetwynd is Compton Acres, a Grade II* Park and Garden. There are no other heritage assets nearby that would be affected by the proposed development. To the west of the development, the site borders Luscombe Valley Nature Reserve, which is abundantly covered with trees and vegetation.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

Earlier permissions covered an assisted living scheme and an outline apartment scheme, followed by approval of reserved matters for appearance and landscaping.

“APP /24/00823/R. Reserved matters application following outline permission APP/21/01719/P for Appearance and landscaping. Approved on the 30 th of October 2024.”

“APP/19/01569/F - Demolition of existing buildings and erection of assisted living/extra care accommodation (class C2) with communal facilities and car parking. Approved on the 10 th of June 2021.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval subject to a legal agreement and conditions, finding the revised scheme acceptable in design, residential amenity, parking, drainage, biodiversity and mitigation terms.

“The principle of infill development within this area is established. • The proposed development, as revised, has an acceptable impact on the character and appearance of the area; • The impact on neighbouring residential amenity is acceptable; • The level of car parking provision is acceptable; • The proposal is compliant with BNG via the purchase of 1.42 units off-site; • The proposal will provide additional biodiversity enhancements outside the remit of BNG; • The…”

“Therefore, having considered the appropriate development plan policy and other material considerations, including the NPPF, it is considered that subject to a s106 agreement, CIL contributions and compliance with the attached conditions, the development would be in accordance with the Development Plan, would not materially harm the character or appearance of the area or the amenities of neighbouring and proposed occupiers and would be acceptable in terms of traffic…”

Officer report

Objections received

Eleven objections concerned the proposal’s height, scale, appearance, traffic, local services, number of apartments, overlooking, noise, daylight and planning policy.

“Site notices were posted in the vicinity of the site on three occasions during the assessment of the application due to amendments to the scheme. The original site notice was posted on the 10 th of April 2025 with an expiry of the 3 rd of May 2025 and advertised in the Bournemouth Echo on the 21 st of March 2025.”

“Eleven letters of objection have been received, stating the following summarised reasons for objecting: • Concern with Height, Scale, Massing and Visual Impact • Highway safety concerns (small roundabout nearby; increased traffic • Impact on local infrastructure (local services over subscribed – doctors, dentists schools_ • Too many apartments, many of which unsold.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Two objectors spoke, and the agent spoke for the applicant; no ward councillors registered to speak.

The committee vote

The committee resolved to grant permission in accordance with the officer recommendation and the committee addendum.

“Resolved to GRANT permission in accordance with the recommendation set out in the officer’s report, as updated by the Committee Addendum published on 05.11.25.”

Minutes

The decision

Permission was granted for the apartment development with associated access, basement parking, cycle and bin storage, and substation relocation.

“Major application for the demolition of existing buildings and erection of a single block of 44 apartments, with associated access, basement parking and cycle/bin storage; and relocate substation.”

Minutes