MORE anger has been expressed over the multi-million-pound housing project at the centre of a council investigation as developers now attempt to change previously approved plans.

The controversial development in Meriden Close, Canford Cliffs, is again the source of resident dissention over proposals to amend approved plans involving a garage/swimming pool complex – which has been described as “pre-planned” and “brazen”.

Originally, as well as other properties, Bayview Developments were given approval in May last year for the erection of a dwelling with a detached garage/swimming pool complex with guest annexe at 2 Meriden Close.

When the Echo first reported on concerns over the development in March this year, residents then said they felt the approved design for the annexe building had been “ignored”.

Bournemouth Echo: The 'annexe building' at Meriden Close, Poole, as seen in March 2022The 'annexe building' at Meriden Close, Poole, as seen in March 2022

Months later and residents feel they have been “proved right” after developers applied for a non-material amendment to change the description of the development by removing any mention of the indoor swimming pool.

An outdoor swimming pool has instead been installed in the garden, which did not form part of the original plans.

The amendment application makes no mention of what is planned for the space originally planned to house the indoor pool, leaving residents fearing it will be used as an outright dwelling which would represent a ‘material’ amendment as opposed to a ‘non-material’ one.

Bournemouth Echo: Development at Meriden Close in Poole. Picture: BNPSDevelopment at Meriden Close in Poole. Picture: BNPS

A Ravine Court resident said: “There is no doubt that the original planning permission for the annex building would not have been granted if it had not been described as a pool house and garage complex.

“As the council officer noted at the time, the annex building was large for an annex. Removal of the pool will allow the annex to be used as a second property on the site. The change of name application is effectively a request for a second dwelling.

“This would effectively approve the many breaches of planning that have occurred over the past year.

“This is all completely pre-planned.”

Bournemouth Echo: Originally approved plans for ground and first floor of the 'annexe' building by 2 Meriden Close. Circled is the now scrapped pool roomOriginally approved plans for ground and first floor of the 'annexe' building by 2 Meriden Close. Circled is the now scrapped pool room

Providing the Echo with an update, a BCP Council spokesperson said: “The investigation is continuing in regards to Meriden Close. 

“A meeting is due to take place in September between the developers, its agents and officers from Natural England and BCP Council to discuss the unauthorised aspects of the development and agree the best way forward, although there is no guarantee that planning consent will be forthcoming.”

Bayview Developments has never responded to requests from the Daily Echo to comment on the issues.