CHRISTCHURCH council has been labelled "irresponsible" over a decision to refuse planning permission for 38 retirement flats in Highcliffe.

The scheme for 38 sheltered housing apartments in Stuart Road, was put together by Churchill Retirement Living, but refused by Christchurch Council last month.

The decision was made under delegated powers, following a number of objections from residents.

In their statement, officers from Christchurch council said given its location and design, the building would be "visually incongruous and harmful to the street scene" as well as detrimental to the local area.

"The proposed development would appear cramped and out of proportion to the application site", the statement added.

Officers also felt the building would result in overlooking and loss of privacy, while also commenting that Churchill did not enter into pre-application discussions with them.

Now, Churchill Retirement Living’s chairman, Spencer McCarthy, has hit out at the decision saying the council has bowed to "local NIMBYism rather than taking a balanced view."

“We’re genuinely surprised at how the local authority can justify refusal of planning, and feel the basis on which it has been turned down is very flimsy", he said.

"The planner comments that the development would be ‘visually incongruous, cramped and out of proportion to the application site’ are bizarre, given that directly opposite there is an existing three story block of retirement flats and a nursing home.

“We spend a great deal of time and effort creating developments that blend in with the street scene and provide an attractive addition. We’re a local developer, with an excellent reputation for quality apartments – it makes no sense for us to create something that doesn’t work in the local area."

He said there is a genuine need for more homes in Highcliffe, and if this development was allowed, it would free up older people's homes for younger people to buy.

Mr McCarthy added: “Ultimately, this decision by Christchurch council is nothing short of irresponsible. By refusing this development we are now compelled to vigorously pursue an appeal. We’re very confident on our position and when the appeal goes in our favour we’ll be seeking full costs from the council, which ultimately will hit local taxpayers. This is a real mistake on the council’s part.”

Dave Barnes, Strategic Director at Christchurch Council said: “Christchurch Borough Council considered the application carefully, as it does with all planning applications, on its merits.

"The application was assessed against adopted policies and other material considerations including letters of representation from local residents and the applicants’ representations regarding need.

"In this particular instance the application has been refused with the reasons set out clearly and openly in the officer’s report which is available for public view on the Dorsetforyou website.

"The council are of the view that its reasons for refusing the application are robust and should the applicants decide to appeal the decision the council will defend its position.”