20 retirement flats at Broadwaters Wick Lane Bournemouth

What was proposed

The application proposed converting a former care home into 20 sheltered or retirement flats for people aged 65 and over, with parking and shared facilities.

“The application site is a former Council Care Home which has now been empty for several years. The proposal is to convert the building from a care home (Use Class C2) to 20 sheltered accommodation/retirement living flats for 65+ aged persons with communal living room, bin and bike/mobility scooter store. The proposed development would provide a mix of 15 one bed units; 4 two bed units and 1 three bed unit (manager’s accommodation).”

Officer report

The site and its history

The vacant building is in the Wick Village Conservation Area, near listed buildings and the River Stour, and earlier parking applications were granted.

“The existing property comprises part 3-storey and part single-storey detached block with a modern post war flat roofed appearance. The building is not particularly attractive and is also now looking tired. It appears as an incongruous anomaly within the historic Conservation Area of Wick Village. It has a landscaped setting with several trees on the site and in the surrounding area, which are subject to an individual and group Tree Preservation Orders (TPO).”

“The character of the area is predominantly residential comprising dwellings in a range of architectural styles and finishes. The site is not particularly well located in terms of direct easy access to public bus services or shops but is within about 600m of such services.”

Officer report

What local people said

Sixty-eight representations were received, mostly objections concerning parking, traffic, density, infrastructure, the building, the conservation area and increased activity.

“A total number of 68 representation have been received. There is one in support 3 with comments and the remainder are objections. The comment in support is on the basis of the accommodation being for permanent long term and not short-term temporary accommodation.”

“Objection to the retention of the existing unsightly building. • Lack of adequate parking. • Overly high density – too many units proposed. • Increased traffic on Wick Lane. • Strain on local infrastructure and services. • Preference for a redevelopment of the site rather than conversion. • Adverse impact on the designated Conservation Area. • Adding to summer congestion and activity.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A local resident requested an additional condition, a representative spoke for the applicant, and a ward councillor spoke in support.

What members discussed

Members moved and seconded approval with an additional condition requiring future lighting proposals to return to committee in consultation with ecology officers.

“Councillor Tarling moved to grant the application, subject to the inclusion of a condition mandating that any additional lighting proposed in the future be required to be brought before the Committee for determination in consultation with Council’s ecology team, in order to help protect local wildlife.”

“Councillor Le Poidevin seconded the motion.”

Minutes

The vote and decision

The Committee voted eight for, one against and no abstentions, granting permission with the officer recommendation, addendum and additional lighting condition.

“RESOLVED: to GRANT permission in accordance with the recommendation set out in the officer’s report and the addendum published on 19 August 2026, with the addition of a further condition regarding lighting as detailed above.”

“Notes: In granting the application, most Committee Members were supportive of the application, noting the car parking provision and that the building was structurally sound enough to be brought back into use.”

Minutes