7:00pm Thursday 12th November 2009
By Jane Reader
LANDLORD Dave Wells has lost an appeal to build 34 flats in Christchurch.
Planning inspector Roger Pritchard concluded the proposed development, in Barrack Road, would not fulfil the need for affordable housing in the borough.
But he disagreed with the council’s claim that the development would not enhance the area – one of its main reasons for refusing the application in the first place – and awarded appeal costs to Dave Wells Properties.
The application for 217-225 Barrack Road was the latest in a series submitted by Dave Wells to Christchurch council. He already has permission for developments in other parts of the town.
But Mr Pritchard said that, after studying all the evidence, he did not believe the latest application would help address the pressing need for social housing because Mr Wells refused to enter into an agreement with a registered social landlord to take over part of the site for social rented housing.
He concluded: “The need to provide affordable housing on sites of this size within Christchurch is a clear priority for the council and reflects national policies.
“The proposal before me does not deliver that priority and therefore, despite the lack of material harm to the character of the surrounding area, I conclude that it is not acceptable.”
Ken Parke of Ken Parke Planning Consultants, representing Dave Wells, said: “I never understood the council’s approach to this site from the outset.
“The design solution proposed is entirely appropriate to the character of the area and the fact that costs were awarded against the council vindicates the approach.”
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