Branksome flats given go-ahead (From Bournemouth Echo)

Branksome flats given go-ahead

12:00pm Sunday 21st October 2012 in News By Joanna Codd

HIGH RISE: An artists’ impression of plans for the derelict Poole Road site in Branksome

A PROMINENT plot of land in Poole that has been derelict for more than a decade is to have a new high rise block of flats built on it.

Southampton-based Mansell Homes has been granted planning permission for a tiered apartment block of three, four and five storeys on the corner of Poole Road and St Aldhelm’s Road in Branksome. The land is the last remaining piece of the old Southernprint site and adjoins Lidl supermarket and car park, which was developed 11 years ago.

The new building will contain 36 one- and two-bedroomed flats, each with its own outside terrace or balcony.

Planning consultants Tanner and Tilley worked closely with the local community and planning officials to gain consent for the scheme.

Operations director John Montgomery said: “The council was really supportive about the re-development of this piece of land and very positive about the proposals. It’s great to see this piece of land, which has been unused for so long, finally being developed.”

John Sprackling, chairman of Branksome Park, Canford Cliffs and District Residents’ Association, said: “I think we’ll all be pleased that the site is going to be built on. There are two concerns. One is inadequate parking – there are 29 spaces for 36 flats and car parking space is at a premium around here.

“The other is that there was originally going to be affordable housing in the block. The developer is making a contribution of £136,848, but the question always arises of where the affordable housing is going to be built.”

Guy Hayward, regional managing director of Mansell Homes, said: “This is great news for Branksome and will introduce much needed activity on this undeveloped brownfield site.”

Mansell Homes is also redeveloping the former Penton garage site in Tuckton, Bournemouth, by building 45 luxury retirement flats, five bungalows and 12 shared equity cottages aimed at first-time buyers.