RESIDENTS in Highcliffe have backed the council after a developer vowed to appeal two major planning applications for retirement flats.

Churchill Retirement Living have seen two applications - for 38 and then 48 retirement apartments in Stuart Road - refused permission by Christchurch council.

The developers have criticised the council for being “irresponsible” and will appeal both refusals.

But residents, who objected to both schemes over concerns about the size of the development and more retirement housing, have called for a public hearing, where they intend to support the council.

Andrew Ellis, speaking on behalf of residents, said: “Local residents overwhelmingly support the council’s decision to reject this unwanted massive development, as shown by the huge number of individual public objections -more than 230 - sent to the council planning department.

“A common concern is that the area is being flooded with retirement properties, threatening to turn Highcliffe into a retirement campus.

“While the country needs more retirement accommodation, this should clearly not be concentrated in such a way.

“Furthermore, the scale of the proposed building is completely inappropriate in this location.”

He added: “We will do our best to support our council’s position, requesting that any appointed Inspector holds a public hearing.”

Spencer McCarthy, chairman of Churchill Retirement Living, said: “Our position remains the same on this second decision, which we will also be appealing.

“Residents have said that this site should be used to build homes for young families in the area, but blocking this application won’t provide the family housing they want.

“It’s worth pointing out again to people that if retirement housing had been allowed to be built on this site, up to 48 under occupied family homes in the local area could have been freed up by people downsizing.

“That could have provided homes for many, many young families.”