PLANNING officials will consider an application to demolish existing buildings and erect three blocks of 38 flats in Christchurch.

Calendula Assets Limited wants to demolish the existing buildings at 215-225 Barrack Road, and build three blocks of flats with parking.

The site currently isn’t vacant and is used for both residential and commercial purposes.

There is a risk of contamination to the site, the planning application states, however Groundsure Insights assessed it was a low risk to humans and the environment due to factory works nearby.

If approved, a new or altered vehicular access from the public highway will be installed, as will new or altered pedestrian access.

Currently, the site has no parking spaces and the developers will build 21 new spaces for residents.

Of the 38 flats proposed, 20 will be one-bedroom flats and 18 will be two-bedroom flats, all under the category of “market housing”.

An engineer for BCP Council’s flooding management team commented on the risk to the development.

Paul Ambrose said: “So long as the ground levels mean it is still the car parking area to the rear of the proposed properties that is at low risk of surface water flooding then there is no objection.”

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service also assessed the application.

It said: “At this stage of the planning application Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is required to make comment relating to section B5 of Approved Document B.

“Essentially, this relates to the provision of reasonable facilities to assist fire fighters within the building and to enable fire appliances to gain access to the building.

“Complying with these requirements, in advance of the formal building regulations consultation process, will assist during that process and are made without prejudice to it.

“Consideration is to be given to ensure access to the site, for the purpose of firefighting, is adequate for the size and nature of the development.”