CHRISTCHURCH Citizens' Association have objected to a controversial plan to demolish a listed building in a Conservation Area.

A plan has been submitted to replace Coachmans Cottage, which is a listed building on Ducking Stool Lane.

The association wrote in their letter to the planning department that they "strongly object" to the plan, which would see the demolition of the existing cottage and the erection of a replacement two storey dwellinghouse.

Chair of the Christchurch Citizens' Association, Sue Bungey, said: "We understand it is contrary to the core strategy policy. It states that area will be protected. We believe the development has to be compatible or improve the surroundings. It’s felt that that this particular two storey building doesn’t. Ducking Stool Lane is a very important part of our heritage.

"There’s a lot of bad feeling about planning applications at the moment. I can’t speak for any other parts of the borough, but I’m sure they will agree with us. This is not a good situation to be in I’m afraid."

The association are not alone in their objection, as the Christchurch Conservation Trust and the Christchurch Antiquarians have also objected and voiced concerns about the building being demolished.

Additionally, the Conservation Officer has objected and recommended looking at ways to improve or enhance the existing structure.

The Conservation Officer, Kathryn Melhuish, said in her letter to planning department: "Although I appreciate much thought has gone into this application, and there is more modern housing adjacent, the proposal would appear to be out of character with its immediate more historic neighbours up the lane.

"This gives the impression of showcasing the more modern buildings to either side, and causing them to be more prominent in the street scene, destroying the sense of scale and visual expression of former uses of the buildings.

"The proposal will neither preserve nor enhance the setting, and there is little evidence to conclude that the benefit would outweigh the harm."

It is not yet clear when this application will be looked at by the borough's planning committee.