Proposals for new flats will have no car parking spaces

An existing four-storey apartment block in Christchurch Road, Boscombe could be demolished and replaced with up to 46 flats. 

Plans for the new six-storey block will comprise of 26 one-bedroom apartments, 16 two-bedders and four three-bedroom flats. 

However, according to Poole-based developer Park Place Properties, there would be no parking spaces for future residents. 

The firm said this is outlined in BCP Council’s ‘parking standards supplementary planning document’ (SPD) for a “zero parking scheme”. 

CGI of the proposals (Image: Park Place Properties)

Instead, cycle spaces would be provided “at a ratio of one space per bedroom”, according to documents submitted to the authority. 

BCP Council’s SPD was adopted in 2021 as part of its “priority” to “reduce the need to travel by private car by encouraging behaviour change”. 

Meanwhile, the developers have said that their proposals are “high quality” and would be an improvement on the “underused” brownfield land.

Read more: MP says council has 'anti-car agenda' after park entrance closure

A design and access statement said: “[This proposal] ensures that local people have access to a range of housing types and tenures that meet their needs.  

“A safe town, with healthy and active residents and encourage sustainable development by the use of sustainable construction and drainage methods and the increased use of renewable and low carbon energy sources.” 

A computer-generated image of the proposed flats featuring balconies which documents state will “provide relief to the overall appearance of the building”. 

The statement added: “The design achieves an excellent balance between appearing as a modern addition to the street scene, as well as being respectful of the scale of buildings. 

“Overall, the proposed design is considered to be high quality and would assimilate well into the street scene.  

“It would result in a marked improvement on the current incumbent of the site, which is dilapidated and constitutes underused brownfield land.” 

BCP Council's draft local plan, which will be completed in the first quarter of this year, says that 445 new homes should be built in the Boscombe and Pokesdown area in the next five years.

A decision on the application submitted earlier this week will be made by BCP Council in due course.