Apartments proposed to replace Lynden Court Hotel in West Cliff

The proposed development would see the current Lynden Court Hotel in West Cliff demolished to make way for a block of 37 apartments with associated parking.

The site, at the junction of Durley Road and Hahnemann Road, comprises the three and a half storey hotel – described in the application as “dated” and with “unattractive features” – and two dwellings.

Designers have outlined a proposed mixture of 14 one-bedroom and 23 two-bedroom apartments spread across five floors. They say the design philosophy “works in harmony with the site’s opportunities and constraints” and has been “carefully conceived to maintain a good relationship” with neighbouring properties.

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As written on its sign above the entrance, Lynden Court Hotel describes itself as the “friendliest hotel” in Bournemouth and is known for providing budget accommodations for students, backpackers, contractors, business travellers, as well as catering for stag and hen do parties.

Plans for a new 37 apartment block at the Lynden Court Hotel site in West Cliff, Bournemouth

Bournemouth-based applicants Stonehaven Holdings Ltd say the development is necessary to boost BCP Council’s five-year housing targets. The application says: “It is clear that the council is neither facilitating enough housing land to come forward nor ensuring homes are then built. Overall, this paints a bleak picture in terms of housing delivery in Bournemouth.

“The shortfall of some 3,593 homes means that opportunities to deliver residential development should be seized and allowed to come forward quickly.”

Central government’s standard methodology states that the BCP Council area needs to provide 2,700 new homes per year up to 2038. The maximum delivered across the conurbation to date in a single year is reported to be 1,300 or 1,400.

However, last month Cllr Philip Broadhead told the Daily Echo an approach was being explored by the council which would see the target drop to around 1,600 homes.

The Lynden Court Hotel site in West Cliff, Bournemouth. Picture: Google

“This is not about diluting our aspirations to build homes for young people,” said the council’s deputy leader, who suggested the initial target projections were “outdated”.

Council parameters on parking spaces for new developments have seen just 19 parking spaces proposed – which is above the requirement set out in the adopted parking standards. Four of these spaces would be fitted with electric vehicle charging points.

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A total of 60 secure cycle parking spaces also form part of the proposals.

The majority of units would have private outdoor amenity space in the form of balconies. The development would also be complemented by areas of communal open space, principally to the south west and north of the block.

Anyone wishing to comment on the application should use the comments form on the BCP Council website or write to the council before February 11.