Today's most viewed
| FAMILY ADVENTURE |  | | | SWEET FRIENDSHIP | | | | GIBSON ON THE BOX | | | | STAGE AND MUSIC GUIDE | | | | WHEELS NEWS | | |
|
|
|
Are we getting 103 new flats?
 |
| DEVELOPER'S DREAM? The derelict Fircroft Hotel |
CIVIC chiefs are set to approve plans for more than 100 new flats in Bournemouth - despite receiving scores of objections from local residents.
Five flat schemes will come before the borough's planning board on Monday and council officers are recommending that members give them all the green light.
The largest proposed development; revised plans for 63 flats on the site of the now derelict Fircroft hotel at Owls Road, Boscombe, is being opposed by 11 disgruntled residents.
Developers are seeking approval for 29 private apartments, 22 holiday flats and 12 affordable housing units with 42 parking spaces, compared to 36 in a previous application which was turned down by the board earlier this year.
Despite objections from his conservation officer, senior planning officer Simon Gould says he believes the proposals are acceptable in a conservation area.
Objectors have cited loss of light and privacy, the unacceptable bulk of the building and over-development among their concerns.
Two flat schemes in Lowther Road, Charminster, are also being recommended for approval. One is for a new three-storey block of six flats and other for the conversion of a nearby house into six flats.
Thirty-seven people have objected to the schemes.
Planning board members are being urged to grant consent for a two to three-storey block of 14 flats with basement and surface car parking at Merlewood Close, Meyrick Park, despite 14 objections.
And a scheme for a two to three storey block of 14 flats at Privet Road, Winton, with bin and cycle stores, is also being recommended for approval. Nine objections have been sent to the Town Hall.
Last week vice-chairman of the planning board, Cllr Ron Whittaker, said the tide was turning against blocks of flats.
Speaking after planning inspectors upheld the council's decision to refuse two developments, he said: "There have been enough flat blocks built in Bournemouth. What we need are family homes which protect the quality of life of existing local residents."
7:00pm Tuesday 13th May 2008
Print 
Email this 
CommentPosted by: PETE WOODLEY on 7:06pm Tue 13 May 08
MONEY talking again,whats the betting they all get approved.
MONEY talking again,whats the betting they all get approved.
Posted by: Alan Gilbert, Bearwood on 7:15pm Tue 13 May 08
The main problem is that if PP is refused the developer goes to appeal and the local council then has to determine whether to fight it or not, it's got more to do with not wasting ratepayers money.
The main problem is that if PP is refused the developer goes to appeal and the local council then has to determine whether to fight it or not, it's got more to do with not wasting ratepayers money.
Posted by: Gastines, St.Malo ex Bournemouth on 7:27pm Tue 13 May 08
With fond memories of the Fircroft Hotel,my first summer holiday job at 15years of age,I wonder if anyone on the Council or Tourist office would like to make a living from an Hotel in Bournemouth today. It is very easy to sit in an office and state we need the Hotel rooms, just try it for a year. Bournemouth as a family weeks,or two week holiday is a thing of the past. Council Tax. etc.etc have priced rooms out of most working family budgets. The average in Europe for a ROOM,not per person,that's for 2,or 3 is 45-55 euros per night inc breakfast, albeit a petite dejeuner.The last time I had to book in while travelling in the UK ,the costPER PERSON was £65.+ extra for everything.
With fond memories of the Fircroft Hotel,my first summer holiday job at 15years of age,I wonder if anyone on the Council or Tourist office would like to make a living from an Hotel in Bournemouth today. It is very easy to sit in an office and state we need the Hotel rooms, just try it for a year. Bournemouth as a family weeks,or two week holiday is a thing of the past. Council Tax. etc.etc have priced rooms out of most working family budgets. The average in Europe for a ROOM,not per person,that's for 2,or 3 is 45-55 euros per night inc breakfast, albeit a petite dejeuner.The last time I had to book in while travelling in the UK ,the costPER PERSON was £65.+ extra for everything.
Posted by: PETE WOODLEY on 7:28pm Tue 13 May 08
[quote][bold]Alan Gilbert[/bold] wrote:
The main problem is that if PP is refused the developer goes to appeal and the local council then has to determine whether to fight it or not, it's got more to do with not wasting ratepayers money.[/quote] Its got to stop somewhere Alan,its getting to be a mockery,developers are taking it for granted,they can do what they like.
Alan Gilbert wrote:
The main problem is that if PP is refused the developer goes to appeal and the local council then has to determine whether to fight it or not, it's got more to do with not wasting ratepayers money.
Its got to stop somewhere Alan,its getting to be a mockery,developers are taking it for granted,they can do what they like.
Posted by: Trifecta, Southbourne on 7:37pm Tue 13 May 08
Once again I ask the question.
WHO on earth is going to buy these places?
There are thousands of empty flats in Bournemouth and I have been reliably informed that the company that builds slums for a certain local "character" laid off 180 workers recently.
The council needs to raise their collective snouts from the trough and look at what is happening in Leeds and Manchester and Cardiff and other towns that being blighted by flats.
It is all going to end in tears.
Once again I ask the question.
WHO on earth is going to buy these places?
There are thousands of empty flats in Bournemouth and I have been reliably informed that the company that builds slums for a certain local "character" laid off 180 workers recently.
The council needs to raise their collective snouts from the trough and look at what is happening in Leeds and Manchester and Cardiff and other towns that being blighted by flats.
It is all going to end in tears.
Posted by: John, Poole on 8:38pm Tue 13 May 08
Trifecta
It bothers me not a jot if these greedy developers end FLAT BROKE. But it does concern me that by their actions, Bournemouth and Poole Councils are ensuring that Council taxpayers will eventually be picking up the bill!
Trifecta
It bothers me not a jot if these greedy developers end FLAT BROKE. But it does concern me that by their actions, Bournemouth and Poole Councils are ensuring that Council taxpayers will eventually be picking up the bill!
Posted by: alumchineboy, Alumchine on 9:24pm Tue 13 May 08
COUNCILLORS AND /OR COUNCIL PLANNING STAFF WORK HAND IN HAND WITH DEVELOPERS. THEY ARE OFTEN TAKEN OUT AND ENTERTAINED BY THEM. SOME MIGHT SAY THAT THEY ARE REWARDED FOR GIVING FAVOURS ?
COUNCILLORS AND /OR COUNCIL PLANNING STAFF WORK HAND IN HAND WITH DEVELOPERS. THEY ARE OFTEN TAKEN OUT AND ENTERTAINED BY THEM. SOME MIGHT SAY THAT THEY ARE REWARDED FOR GIVING FAVOURS ?
Posted by: Alan Gilbert, Bearwood on 9:38pm Tue 13 May 08
Seems obvious to me, nobody is making land anymore so the price of land is rising, because land is getting more expensive to keep the cost of housing down it becomes necessary to build more housing units on a given parcel of land.
In this country we have a predilection for buying our houses, in other countries the majority of the population rent their homes, until such time as this fascination for home ownership declines we are stuck on the property merry go round.
So I guess the answer is yes, someone will buy them !
PS Yes I am a joint home owner with my wife.
Seems obvious to me, nobody is making land anymore so the price of land is rising, because land is getting more expensive to keep the cost of housing down it becomes necessary to build more housing units on a given parcel of land.
In this country we have a predilection for buying our houses, in other countries the majority of the population rent their homes, until such time as this fascination for home ownership declines we are stuck on the property merry go round.
So I guess the answer is yes, someone will buy them !
PS Yes I am a joint home owner with my wife.
Posted by: boilerballs, poole on 9:53pm Tue 13 May 08
you have to remember the more flats per plot the more council tax for the council. Also if these flats stop being built where does the economy go, probably down. No building means no jobs for the trades, less trades people paying there taxes and shopping, less shops required so more people laid off and more people on benefits. This government has played a dangerous game for the past ten years or more with the property market and are desperate for flats and the housing market to keep going (stamp duty etc).
you have to remember the more flats per plot the more council tax for the council. Also if these flats stop being built where does the economy go, probably down. No building means no jobs for the trades, less trades people paying there taxes and shopping, less shops required so more people laid off and more people on benefits. This government has played a dangerous game for the past ten years or more with the property market and are desperate for flats and the housing market to keep going (stamp duty etc).
Posted by: omegaman, Bournemouth on 10:24pm Tue 13 May 08
[quote][bold]alumchineboy[/bold] wrote:
COUNCILLORS AND /OR COUNCIL PLANNING STAFF WORK HAND IN HAND WITH DEVELOPERS. THEY ARE OFTEN TAKEN OUT AND ENTERTAINED BY THEM. SOME MIGHT SAY THAT THEY ARE REWARDED FOR GIVING FAVOURS ? [/quote] Absolute twaddle!You really shouldn't contribute if all you can do is make rash and ill imformed statements that are completely unfounded.
alumchineboy wrote:
COUNCILLORS AND /OR COUNCIL PLANNING STAFF WORK HAND IN HAND WITH DEVELOPERS. THEY ARE OFTEN TAKEN OUT AND ENTERTAINED BY THEM. SOME MIGHT SAY THAT THEY ARE REWARDED FOR GIVING FAVOURS ?
Absolute twaddle!You really shouldn't contribute if all you can do is make rash and ill imformed statements that are completely unfounded.
Posted by: Erica Monk, Australia on 11:13pm Tue 13 May 08
Very strange how the main article got knocked back last year yet now with there being a bigger carpark they are approving it. Are you thinking what I'm thinking here. Wonder how much it cost.
Very strange how the main article got knocked back last year yet now with there being a bigger carpark they are approving it. Are you thinking what I'm thinking here. Wonder how much it cost.
Posted by: Christopher, Wallisdown & Winton West on 11:19pm Tue 13 May 08
Did we not read a few days ago that plans for flat development in Lowther Road had been dropped even after the inspectors were called in, they agreed non approval with the Council. So why is this next lot being pushed through.
Do we really need all these flats. Can a member of the planning committee please justify why we need all these flats. Is it because you get more Council Tax. Surely if you do, then your contribution from the main government drops.
Families do not need Flats, the elderly do not need Flats, so why build so many. It is affordable housing that is badly needed in town.
Re the costings of hotels, ask the Council Leader, he owns or is involved with the Yenton Hotel. This hotel on the number of occasions I have stayed there was of a reasonable price. Do not know what the tariffs are now.
Did we not read a few days ago that plans for flat development in Lowther Road had been dropped even after the inspectors were called in, they agreed non approval with the Council. So why is this next lot being pushed through.
Do we really need all these flats. Can a member of the planning committee please justify why we need all these flats. Is it because you get more Council Tax. Surely if you do, then your contribution from the main government drops.
Families do not need Flats, the elderly do not need Flats, so why build so many. It is affordable housing that is badly needed in town.
Re the costings of hotels, ask the Council Leader, he owns or is involved with the Yenton Hotel. This hotel on the number of occasions I have stayed there was of a reasonable price. Do not know what the tariffs are now.
Posted by: grace, bournemouth on 11:22pm Tue 13 May 08
Would it not be more usefull to look at building more homes for our own people of bournemouth who are on the council waiting list for a decent home for their families than all these flats and yes it would be nice to rent but not at the prices they charge .Lets start by looking after our own people.
Would it not be more usefull to look at building more homes for our own people of bournemouth who are on the council waiting list for a decent home for their families than all these flats and yes it would be nice to rent but not at the prices they charge .Lets start by looking after our own people.
Posted by: 2Much, New Forest on 6:13am Wed 14 May 08
The trouble with building flats is that the developer makes as much money as he can by cramming as many flats as he can into a unsuitable sized building, then that leads to parking problems, as well as living in rabbit hutches.
There's also the issue of families moving to areas with already overcrowded schools...when you build flats in suburbs, where there should be houses with gardens, there are a lot of knock on effects.
The trouble with building flats is that the developer makes as much money as he can by cramming as many flats as he can into a unsuitable sized building, then that leads to parking problems, as well as living in rabbit hutches.
There's also the issue of families moving to areas with already overcrowded schools...when you build flats in suburbs, where there should be houses with gardens, there are a lot of knock on effects.
Posted by: anton, uk on 8:09am Wed 14 May 08
The council only care about cash and power. Quality of life and degenaration of ambience and area are of little concern to the tax collectors.
The council only care about cash and power. Quality of life and degenaration of ambience and area are of little concern to the tax collectors.
Posted by: davey, bournemouth on 8:47am Wed 14 May 08
[quote][bold]Trifecta[/bold] wrote:
Once again I ask the question. WHO on earth is going to buy these places? There are thousands of empty flats in Bournemouth and I have been reliably informed that the company that builds slums for a certain local "character" laid off 180 workers recently. The council needs to raise their collective snouts from the trough and look at what is happening in Leeds and Manchester and Cardiff and other towns that being blighted by flats. It is all going to end in tears.[/quote] Clearly your not a first time buyer looking for a flat!
I am having endless trouble trying to find a flat for my needs in my price range. There is just not enough available... Mostly out for rent or with no parking or no decent second bedrooms unless you are willing to pay £250,000+
There is not enough housing for the people that is why the prices have been bought so high. Keep em comming I say!
Trifecta wrote:
Once again I ask the question. WHO on earth is going to buy these places? There are thousands of empty flats in Bournemouth and I have been reliably informed that the company that builds slums for a certain local "character" laid off 180 workers recently. The council needs to raise their collective snouts from the trough and look at what is happening in Leeds and Manchester and Cardiff and other towns that being blighted by flats. It is all going to end in tears.
Clearly your not a first time buyer looking for a flat!
I am having endless trouble trying to find a flat for my needs in my price range. There is just not enough available... Mostly out for rent or with no parking or no decent second bedrooms unless you are willing to pay £250,000+
There is not enough housing for the people that is why the prices have been bought so high. Keep em comming I say!
Posted by: Phil, Poole on 8:58am Wed 14 May 08
I've never understand the appeal of so-called 'luxury' flats – particularly when you can buy a decent house for about the same money, and won't have to pay exorbitant annual maintenance fees either. No wonder so many flats are lying empty.
I've never understand the appeal of so-called 'luxury' flats – particularly when you can buy a decent house for about the same money, and won't have to pay exorbitant annual maintenance fees either. No wonder so many flats are lying empty.
Posted by: Phil, Poole on 10:35am Wed 14 May 08
[quote][bold]Phil[/bold] wrote:
I've never understand the appeal of so-called 'luxury' flats – particularly when you can buy a decent house for about the same money, and won't have to pay exorbitant annual maintenance fees either. No wonder so many flats are lying empty.[/quote] Correction: I've never understood…
Phil wrote:
I've never understand the appeal of so-called 'luxury' flats – particularly when you can buy a decent house for about the same money, and won't have to pay exorbitant annual maintenance fees either. No wonder so many flats are lying empty.
Correction: I've never understood…
Posted by: JC, Under the Sea on 11:44am Wed 14 May 08
[quote]"There have been enough flat blocks built in Bournemouth. What we need are family homes which protect the quality of life of existing local residents."[/quote]
Unfortunately, many people can't afford to buy these homes. Flats provide people with the opportunity to buy their own homes and get on the property ladder.
The way people were complaining anyone would think all these flats are being built and then left empty - they're not, there's a need for affordable housing.
"There have been enough flat blocks built in Bournemouth. What we need are family homes which protect the quality of life of existing local residents."
Unfortunately, many people can't afford to buy these homes. Flats provide people with the opportunity to buy their own homes and get on the property ladder.
The way people were complaining anyone would think all these flats are being built and then left empty - they're not, there's a need for affordable housing.
Posted by: blue-eyes, Ferndown on 12:40pm Wed 14 May 08
When Maggie gave people the chance to buy their council homes, why wasn't the proceeds invested in building other new homes and estates at that time to cater for those on the waiting list? I know I will never be able to buy a property and as my home is owned by the association, the right to purchase isn't an option, But I don't want to be pushed into a flat some where in my twilight years either but as a tenant I don't think I'll be given a choice.
When Maggie gave people the chance to buy their council homes, why wasn't the proceeds invested in building other new homes and estates at that time to cater for those on the waiting list? I know I will never be able to buy a property and as my home is owned by the association, the right to purchase isn't an option, But I don't want to be pushed into a flat some where in my twilight years either but as a tenant I don't think I'll be given a choice.
Posted by: Grumpy, wessex on 3:13pm Wed 14 May 08
[quote][bold]omegaman[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]alumchineboy[/bold] wrote: COUNCILLORS AND /OR COUNCIL PLANNING STAFF WORK HAND IN HAND WITH DEVELOPERS. THEY ARE OFTEN TAKEN OUT AND ENTERTAINED BY THEM. SOME MIGHT SAY THAT THEY ARE REWARDED FOR GIVING FAVOURS ? [/quote] Absolute twaddle!You really shouldn't contribute if all you can do is make rash and ill imformed statements that are completely unfounded.[/quote] So OMEGAMAN making such a comment means you are either a Freemason or an ostrich!
Counsellors,Develope
rsand Planning officers all meet in their respective lodges and discuss 'the business'.
omegaman wrote:
alumchineboy wrote: COUNCILLORS AND /OR COUNCIL PLANNING STAFF WORK HAND IN HAND WITH DEVELOPERS. THEY ARE OFTEN TAKEN OUT AND ENTERTAINED BY THEM. SOME MIGHT SAY THAT THEY ARE REWARDED FOR GIVING FAVOURS ?
Absolute twaddle!You really shouldn't contribute if all you can do is make rash and ill imformed statements that are completely unfounded.
So OMEGAMAN making such a comment means you are either a Freemason or an ostrich!
Counsellors,Develope
rsand Planning officers all meet in their respective lodges and discuss 'the business'.
Posted by: Trifecta, Southbourne on 6:20pm Wed 14 May 08
"Clearly your not a first time buyer looking for a flat!
I am having endless trouble trying to find a flat for my needs in my price range. There is just not enough available."
Fair enough Davey. I have every sympathy for you and all in your situation but...
Simply adding to the stock of overpriced under featured boxes with little or no parking and no windows in the bathroom or kitchen (check out the new "developement on the site of the snooker club in Winton)will not solve your dilemma mate.
What is needed is a massive programme of council house building, good quality housing stock available at an affordable rent. This will enable people like yourself to save a deposit whilst reducing the large numbers in your boat! Taxing the bejesus out of second home owners might help too.
I am a home owner but the only realistic chance that I have of moving up the ladder is the vague possibility of inheritance as my wages are so low that nobody will offer the multiples in spite of the fact that I have thousands in equity, we all need the prices to come down Davey
"Clearly your not a first time buyer looking for a flat!
I am having endless trouble trying to find a flat for my needs in my price range. There is just not enough available."
Fair enough Davey. I have every sympathy for you and all in your situation but...
Simply adding to the stock of overpriced under featured boxes with little or no parking and no windows in the bathroom or kitchen (check out the new "developement on the site of the snooker club in Winton)will not solve your dilemma mate.
What is needed is a massive programme of council house building, good quality housing stock available at an affordable rent. This will enable people like yourself to save a deposit whilst reducing the large numbers in your boat! Taxing the bejesus out of second home owners might help too.
I am a home owner but the only realistic chance that I have of moving up the ladder is the vague possibility of inheritance as my wages are so low that nobody will offer the multiples in spite of the fact that I have thousands in equity, we all need the prices to come down Davey
Posted by: Trifecta, Southbourne on 6:28pm Wed 14 May 08
John,
"It bothers me not a jot if these greedy developers end FLAT BROKE."
The Germans call that schadenfreude I believe. Sweeter would be a new law forcing second property owners to let their "investments" at an affordable rent if the property has been empty for more than, say, six months.
Out of my kitchen window I can see a small block of four flats which went up in place of a family home and were finished just over a year ago.
Number sold or occupied so far?
One!!!
Why not make the owner rent these flats to "key" workers at a peppercorn rent for six months at a time?
John,
"It bothers me not a jot if these greedy developers end FLAT BROKE."
The Germans call that schadenfreude I believe. Sweeter would be a new law forcing second property owners to let their "investments" at an affordable rent if the property has been empty for more than, say, six months.
Out of my kitchen window I can see a small block of four flats which went up in place of a family home and were finished just over a year ago.
Number sold or occupied so far?
One!!!
Why not make the owner rent these flats to "key" workers at a peppercorn rent for six months at a time?
Posted by: ENIGMA, Mid Dorset & North Poole on 5:19pm Thu 15 May 08
[quote][bold]Trifecta[/bold] wrote:
John, "It bothers me not a jot if these greedy developers end FLAT BROKE." The Germans call that schadenfreude I believe. Sweeter would be a new law forcing second property owners to let their "investments" at an affordable rent if the property has been empty for more than, say, six months. Out of my kitchen window I can see a small block of four flats which went up in place of a family home and were finished just over a year ago. Number sold or occupied so far? One!!! Why not make the owner rent these flats to "key" workers at a peppercorn rent for six months at a time? [/quote] Sorry but we are the 'underclass'.
It may sound strange but your comment has world wide implications.
Builders, developers, councillors and planning officers are all part of the Masonic / Bilderberg entrepreneurs; until the working class wake up and retaliate against these abysmal people they will control us.
FACT: Last week the Duke of Edinburgh (a high ranking Freemason and leader in the Bilderberg) came clean and said that there were far too many people on this planet to feed etc. The Bilderburg fraternity have a decree stating that a percentage of the world population will be annihilated. It was first tried with the man made virus’s - Aids then Bird flu and as they has not worked there will soon be another man made epidemic to half the world’s population.
Yes, as in the past I will be ridiculed but the sorry thing is that when Joe Public realise I am correct it will be too late!!
Google BILDERBERG and read for yourself what they have in store for the working class!!
Trifecta wrote:
John, "It bothers me not a jot if these greedy developers end FLAT BROKE." The Germans call that schadenfreude I believe. Sweeter would be a new law forcing second property owners to let their "investments" at an affordable rent if the property has been empty for more than, say, six months. Out of my kitchen window I can see a small block of four flats which went up in place of a family home and were finished just over a year ago. Number sold or occupied so far? One!!! Why not make the owner rent these flats to "key" workers at a peppercorn rent for six months at a time?
Sorry but we are the 'underclass'.
It may sound strange but your comment has world wide implications.
Builders, developers, councillors and planning officers are all part of the Masonic / Bilderberg entrepreneurs; until the working class wake up and retaliate against these abysmal people they will control us.
FACT: Last week the Duke of Edinburgh (a high ranking Freemason and leader in the Bilderberg) came clean and said that there were far too many people on this planet to feed etc. The Bilderburg fraternity have a decree stating that a percentage of the world population will be annihilated. It was first tried with the man made virus’s - Aids then Bird flu and as they has not worked there will soon be another man made epidemic to half the world’s population.
Yes, as in the past I will be ridiculed but the sorry thing is that when Joe Public realise I am correct it will be too late!!
Google BILDERBERG and read for yourself what they have in store for the working class!!
Posted by: Dorset Red, Dorset on 5:57pm Thu 15 May 08
Yet another example of the hypocrisy of our Borough Council. Our local Tories made a lot of noise in both the local elections and the last general election about opposing overdevelopment in the Borough. Now that they hold the reigns they seem to have gone back on the line they adopted during their election campaigns.
They said "no more flats" yet we get more flats. They said "no casino" yet we get not one, but two or even more casinos in the town!
Why am I not surprised?
Yet another example of the hypocrisy of our Borough Council. Our local Tories made a lot of noise in both the local elections and the last general election about opposing overdevelopment in the Borough. Now that they hold the reigns they seem to have gone back on the line they adopted during their election campaigns.
They said "no more flats" yet we get more flats. They said "no casino" yet we get not one, but two or even more casinos in the town!
Why am I not surprised?
Posted by: not, purbeck on 10:51pm Fri 16 May 08
i've only just caught up with this thread. Owls Road? isn' that where the Council's day centre is? Isn't that the one that they plan to sell to developers....?
i've only just caught up with this thread. Owls Road? isn' that where the Council's day centre is? Isn't that the one that they plan to sell to developers....?
What are these links for?
If you liked this article and would like to share it with others on the web who might be searching for good content we've made it easy for you to do it.
At the bottom of all articles, you'll see links to six sites. These sites - commonly called 'social bookmark' or 'social news' sites - have large communities of web users who share and rate interesting, useful and fun things on the web.
Clicking the links will automatically add the address of the story you are reading to one of these sites, letting you share it with others. Each site will ask you to register to share stories. Registration is free and once a member, you can store, recommend and search for stories that interest you.
More on Digg
More on del.icio.us
More on Furl
More on reddit
More on NowPublic/
More on Yahoo!
