A DEVELOPER’S bid to flatten an established car wash and build a block of 34 flats in a busy Christchurch road have been refused.

BCP Council planners rejected the scheme for the A and G car wash site in Barrack Road, hitting out at the applicant for a “total lack of information to assess the proposal”.

Rother Properties Ltd had sought permission to provide 28 one-bed and six two-bed flats with no on-site parking.

The application attracted scores of objections from residents as well as a length representation against the plan from Christchurch Town Council.

One objector had previously accused BCP Council “trying to turn Christchurch into a concrete jungle”.

A statement submitted in support of Rother Properties’ application said: “The site is ideally located for additional housing stock, being close to the town centre which provides a range of services, shopping needs and sustainable transport.”

The proposal was dealt with by council officers under delegated powers.

A report by case officer Sophie Mawdsley said the scheme would result in the loss of the existing car washing business and the potential for the site to return to its previous use as a petrol station.

She raised concerns that the proposed building “looks very bulky” and would not make a positive contribution to the street scene.

Ms Mawdsley said the site was within five kilometres of a protected European wildlife site and mitigation was required to address the cumulative impact the residential development would have.

“There is no mitigation in place and therefore the national planning policy framework (NPPF) provides clear reason for refusal as the development will cause harm to the integrity of the European habitat sites.

"In addition, the size of the proposed flats is clearly contrary to policy as they do not meet the HQI standards for unit sizes and as a result this will result in poor living conditions for future occupiers.

“No affordable housing is being provided on site with no assessment as to why none can be provided.

"There are some positive economic and social impacts associated with the development from the provision of housing in the area and the construction benefits through employment.

“However, the NPPF provides a clear reason for refusal and the small economic and social benefits to do outweigh the lack of affordable housing, the size of the units and the proposed design and appearance of the building.”

As reported, Calendula Assets Ltd’s plans for 38 flats on the opposite side of the road on the site of Christchurch Body Repair Centre, Dragon Palace restaurant and homes have been approved by BCP Council’s planning committee.

A second application for the plot at the corner of Barrack Road and The Grove has been tabled by Fortitudo after an initial scheme for 51 flats and four houses was refused. The current plan is for 35 flats and four houses.