MEMBERS of Highcliffe and Walkford Parish Council have unanimously agreed to object to proposals for a block of flats at Chewton Farm Road.

The scheme for 14 flats has been submitted to BCP Council by developer Fortitudo.

Residents have already objected and hired their own planning consultant to fight their case.

The HWPC meeting, held virtually on the evening of Wednesday April 29, also agreed to register its opposition to the plans.

Members did so on the following grounds:

• The proposed development is totally out of character with a residential road comprising single detached properties on well-proportioned plots.

• Overdevelopment in relation to surrounding area of Walkford

• The bulk and mass of the proposed development is out of character with surrounding area and properties

• Loss of privacy to adjoining properties

• The front of the plot would be dominated solely by cars/car parking bays

• Loss of a rural setting of the existing surrounding properties.

HWPC chairman Cllr Bob Hutchings said: “This road is in a unique part of Highcliffe and the wider borough of Christchurch. It is a semi-rural location, near the green belt and Chewton Common.

“The council agreed that this development would be hugely detrimental and undoubtedly harmful to the character of the Chewton Farm. Members had no hesitation whatever in registering their objection.”