NEW plans to redevelop a commercial building in Christchurch have been given the green light.
The latest scheme for changes at Wessex House industrial building in Somerford has been approved by BCP Council.
Construction company Ash Haus now has permission for the partial demolition of, and extension to, the building in Groveley Road.
Whilst increasing the overall floor area, the objective of the redevelopment is to facilitate the relocation of the company into the area.
The renovation will also update both the “nature and use of the accommodation to better suit current requirements and demands for commercial space”, say Ash Haus.
A previous version of the planning application was submitted by Ash Haus in November 2023, but was withdrawn a few months later after receiving hauls of objections.
The company amended its plans to “reduce the impact of the scheme on neighbouring dwellings”, seeing the overall floor space reduced by 19m2.
A spokesperson for Ash Haus told the Daily Echo: “As a company we have looked to take on board all of the comments made by the surrounding residents and the local authorities planning department to evolve the design to one that meets BCP design guidance, the operational objectives of the applicant and succeeds in allowing a local business to grow their operation by remaining within the borough.”
However, the latest scheme, submitted in February this year, has still attracted 11 objections.
These included concerns over loss of light, noise pollution, ‘disruptive’ construction, road safety and parking, loss of privacy and the impact on wildlife.
A planning officer recommending the scheme for approval concluded: “The proposal will not detrimentally impact the character and appearance of the area.
“The proposal would not cause significant material harm to the amenities and privacy of the occupants of neighbouring properties.
“The proposal will not harm highway safety and ensures sufficient parking.”
A spokesperson for Ash Haus added: “Planning can be successful when applicants and consultants are provided the opportunity to engage and liaise with local planning officers and BCP’s planning officer Sophie Burch was particularly helpful in progressing the application to a favourable decision.”
BCP Council granted planning permission to the scheme on April 5.
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