'Legoland ghetto' plans approved for Scotts Green, Christchurch

Housing association Sovereign Twynham’s application to demolish the 24 existing flats at Scotts Green on the Somerford Estate and build 32 new ones made up of four flats, 12 two-bedroom houses, 14 three-bedroom houses as well as two four-bedroom houses and parking was approved following an appeal.

Christchurch Borough Council refused permission for the controversial scheme in November 2010 over concerns about the design of the new buildings and the loss of open space.

Residents, incensed by the scheme, also submitted a petition and letters of objection to the proposals.

But an appeal against the decision was successful, with inspector Andrew Pykett saying that while the scheme would result in a “significant change to the character and appearance of the surrounding area, the effect would not be harmful”.

However, since the appeal was made, residents have applied for village green status for Scotts Green from Dorset County Council.

Somerford resident Chris Hopkins, who has lived on the estate for 50 years and submitted the application on behalf of residents, said: “A lot of hard work has gone into this whole process by the residents as they feel very strongly about losing their green.

“We are not about to give up now. Myself and most of the objectors to this proposed development are fully aware of the need for affordable housing in the area. However, not in the form of the current proposal.

“The green space is and has always been very, very important.”

A spokesperson for Sovereign Twynham said: “We are pleased that the planning inspectorate has upheld our appeal at Scotts Green, as it gives us an opportunity to build much-needed affordable homes in Christchurch, particularly as the existing flats in Scotts Green are coming to the end of their life and do not provide a good quality living environment.

“We are pleased for the people living there as they may, in due course, move to better homes.”