A SCHEME to build up to 26 new homes at a former coastguard training centre site has been refused.

Councillors on Christchurch Borough Council’s planning committee rejected the plans after 50 letters of objection were submitted raising concerns about the plans for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s centre at Steamer Point, pictured right.

The decision was made for refusal, although officers had recommended the scheme for approval. Residents’ concerns focused on overdevelopment, loss of character, loss of protected trees and inadequacy of parking.

Earlier this year, members of the planning committee refused a scheme for up to 35 homes on the site.

This decision was made due to concerns about the surrounding area, which is a site of special scientific interest, and worries about density damaging the character of the area.