AN INSPECTOR has been left to reach a decision on an appeal over a major student housing development in Bournemouth.

Appellants Summix RGB Developments Ltd and Sheet Anchor Evolve Ltd are hoping to overturn the refusal of planning application by Bournemouth Borough Council for 625 students flats across three blocks around the Richmond Gardens multi-storey car park.

An appeal hearing took place on Tuesday at the Civic Offices in Christchurch, where the developers and BCP Council, which has taken on the case due to the councils merger, argued their case to a government-appointed planning inspector.

A spokesperson for Summix RGB Developments Ltd and Sheet Anchor Evolve Ltd said: “We look forward to receiving the inspector’s decision regarding our previous application for purpose-built student accommodation in due course.

“At the same time, we remain committed to working with BCP Council and the local community in progressing our built-to-rent application so we can determine the preferred option for the site’s redevelopment.”

A BCP Council spokesperson said a decision on the appeal is expected in around four to five weeks.

As reported, since the student flats scheme was refused, Summix RGB Developments and Sheet Anchor Evolve have submitted a new scheme for the site, comprising of 211 homes across four blocks. This application is currently being assessed by local authority planning officers.