A FORMER play area next to the Wessex Way flyover could become home to eight modern apartments as plans are submitted.

The BCP Council owned green space at the end of Crescent Road in Bournemouth was previously earmarked for residential development as part of the council’s housing targets.

Developers have proposed that the four-storey block accommodate five one-bedroom and three two-bedroom apartments for “local single people, couples and/or small families”.

Each apartment would have access to a private balcony in addition to common green amenity available surrounding the building.

Visually, the application says the site will offer an “attractive and soft backdrop in combination with green screening”.

Bournemouth Echo: Planning application submitted for eight apartments in Crescent Road, BournemouthPlanning application submitted for eight apartments in Crescent Road, Bournemouth

The site previously housed a large residential villa until 1969 when it was demolished to accommodate the A338 flyover. Remaining land adjacent 22 Crescent Road was then developed as a play park, which has since been decommissioned.

A previous planning application for the site was submitted in August 2018 and later withdrawn in February 2019 due to concerns regarding its proposed ridge height, non-compliant parking arrangement, and lack of supporting information about its impact on the nearby Central Gardens.

PDP Architecture says the new proposal “seeks to rectify the concerns raised” as shown by a lowering of the ridge height and redesigned parking parameters.

Two car parking spaces are incorporated – one of which is a disabled bay. Electric vehicle charging points will be available. The proposal also includes individual double secure cycle lockers providing two spaces for each apartment, for a total of 16 spaces.

Landscaping is described as a “sensitive and important” aspect of the plans due to the proximity to the adjacent Gardens. All trees except for one sycamore are proposed to be retained as part of the landscaping strategy and a plan can be utilised to ensure existing trees will be maintained.

Due to the sloped surface level of Crescent Road being higher than the levels on the site, the building is viewed as three storeys from the street scene – with the fourth storey forming at the back of the property in line with the slope.

Residents have until February 10 to comment on the application.