THE council could have to defend itself over failing to reach a decision on a major development proposal on the waterfront in Poole.

The Between the Bridges scheme from Reuben & Morgan on the ‘West Quay’ site was first tabled with the local authority in May 2018.

Amendments were made to the plans in 2021 and February this year, with the applicant agreeing to extending the period to determine the proposal to July 2022.

The application, which includes hundreds of flats alongside cafes retail space, an art gallery and a museum, was due to go before BCP Council’s planning committee at a special meeting on July 13.

Officers had recommendation approval despite hundreds of objections and opposition from the Environment Agency and the local authority's design and conservation team as well as Society for Poole, Poole Harbour Association and Poole Quays Forum.

However, the item was withdrawn from the meeting at the 11th hour, with planning officers wanting time to “seek clarification” from statutory stakeholders the Environment Agency and Historic England, as well as the design and conservation team.

Since then, Reuben & Morgan’s agent DPP Planning has written to the council giving notice of intention to submit an appeal against non-determination of the application.

The notice said: “A planning application for the above development was submitted to Poole Borough Council (now BCP Council) on May 31, 2018. The application was validated by the council on August 30, 2018. An extension to the period to determine the application was agreed until July 22, 2022.

“The application has not been determined within this extended period, so as required under the provisions of recommendation three of the Rosewell Review into inquiry appeals, please find enclosed notification to the local planning authority of not less than 10 working days’ notice of an intention to submit a planning appeal where the appellant will request the inquiry procedure.”

If a planning inquiry is required, it would be expected to last eight days.

Gareth Hooper, DPP Planning chief executive, told the Daily Echo they were reviewing the position.

“The authority resolved to go away and look at particular areas, such as flooding and heritage issues,” Mr Hooper said.

“We have served notice on the appeal but that doesn’t mean we have to appeal.

“We are currently in the position of liaising with the authority and those discussions are ongoing.”

A BCP Council spokesperson said: “We remain in discussions with the applicants, the Environment Agency and Historic England around the remaining issues.

“We are looking to conclude these discussions shortly to enable the application to be brought back to committee as soon as possible.”

The site is earmarked for regeneration in the current Borough of Poole Local Plan and was also put forward in the same terms in the BCP Local Plan issues and options consultation.

The Between the Bridge scheme seeks permission for 454 apartments, food and beverage units, a new facility for Poole Rowing Club, a museum, leisure and gym areas, workspace, a management office and cultural spaces.

The development would feature nine separate buildings for the flats.