13-flat block at 34 Buccleuch Road, Poole

What was proposed

The application sought to demolish an existing detached house and build 13 flats with parking, access and landscaping.

“Planning permission is sought to demolish the existing detached house on the application site and to erect a block of 13 flats with associated parking, access and landscaping.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The residential corner site contains a large detached house, mature protected trees, two existing vehicle accesses and a pedestrian access.

“The site is located on the southern side of Buccleuch Road, at its junction with The Avenue and is occupied by a large, detached house with an attached garage, that is orientated to front Buccleuch Road.”

“There are large, mature, preserved trees on and around the site and the dominance of landscaping over built form is a strong characteristic of the area. There are a variety of trees and large shrubs around the boundaries of the site, including hedges along the highway verge to The Avenue.”

Officer report

Earlier planning permissions

Two earlier permissions allowed a block of 10 flats, including an unimplemented permission that remained extant.

“APP/23/00343/P: Outline planning permission to demolish existing dwelling and erect a single block of 10 flats with basement parking and access from The Avenue with matters of access, appearance, layout and scale to be agreed. Same design scheme as approved under planning application ref: APP/20/00052/F albeit with additional cycle parking. Permission granted 21/08/2023.”

“APP/20/00052/F: Demolish existing dwelling and erect a single block of 10 flats with basement parking. Permission granted 10/07/2020.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission because the housing contribution carried significant weight and the proposal’s impacts could be made acceptable through conditions and contributions.

“The provision of new housing in an accessible and existing residential area, would make a positive and significant contribution towards boosting housing supply in line with the framework. The provision of 13no flats (net gain of 12 units) would also contribute towards the housing choice in the local area.”

“The proposal would preserve the character and appearance of the area and the amenities of neighbouring homes. Subject to the imposition of relevant conditions and for the reasons given in the above report, the proposal is acceptable in relation to highways, trees, ecology, waste and drainage. The proposal would therefore comply with the relevant policies of the Poole Local Plan.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Most consultees raised no objection subject to conditions, while the Urban Design Officer and the Society for Poole objected on design and wider impact grounds.

“BCP BNG Officer – No objection to the scheme subject to conditions and a section106 securing the BNG monitoring fee.”

“The Society for Poole – Objection due to the impact on the character of the area, the failure to demonstrate the required BNG, the impact on infrastructure and services, the lack of sustainability, the impact on highway safety, and the overdevelopment of the site.”

Officer report

Who spoke

An applicant’s supporter spoke, with no registered objectors or ward councillors speaking.

The committee vote

The committee voted unanimously to grant permission, subject to the stated conditions, amendments and legal agreement.

“RESOLVED to Grant subject to the conditions set out in the agenda report, the amendments to the conditions set out on the Addendum Sheet relating to the revised wording of Condition No.9 and the addition of Condition No.26; and the replacement of Condition No.14 Which states "No part of the development hereby permitted shall be carried out other than in accordance with the details and timetable contained in the approved Arboricultural Method Statement and Tree Protection…”

“The above was agreed with power delegated to the Head of Planning Operations (including any officer exercising their powers) to alter and/or add to any such conditions provided any alteration/addition in the opinion of the Head of Planning (or other relevant nominated officer) does not go to the core of the decision; together with a deed pursuant to section 106 Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) securing the terms set out in the agenda report with power…”

Minutes