A CONTROVERSIAL proposal for a new care home in Christchurch has been approved.
Pennyfarthing Homes Ltd has been given the go-ahead on plans to build a 69-bed care home in Hurn Way.
The application was first submitted to BCP Council in December 2019, but it was refused following more than 150 objections from residents, and opposition from Christchurch Town Council and Natural England.
The developer has since appealed the decision and won.
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Robert Parker from the Planning Inspectorate, determined there would be “no adverse impacts which would significantly or demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the scheme”.
Mr Parker added that whilst concerns had been previously raised about the application, these “do not individually or cumulatively, represent material harms sufficient to justify withholding permission”.
A need for housing in Christchurch is understood to have added “significant weight” to the decision to allow the appeal.
Mr Parker said: “The council is unable to demonstrate a five-year supply of deliverable housing sites, with the supply in Christchurch currently standing at 2.7 years. This represents a significant shortfall.
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"The proposal would provide a modern, purpose-built care home for which there is an identified need in future years to cater for an ageing population Although a care home is a specialist form of housing, it does contribute to housing supply through the release of general needs dwellings."
Outlining further reasons for his decision, Mr Parker said: “I have concluded that the proposal would not have an adverse impact on the integrity of the River Avon SAC or the Dorset Heathlands SPA and Ramsar site and Dorset Heaths SAC.
“Based on the evidence before me, I have no reason to consider that the development would have an unacceptable impact on protected species within the site itself.
“The scheme would also bring benefits to the economy during construction and thereafter through ongoing employment in the care home, estimated to be the equivalent of 30 full time equivalent positions.
"These economic benefits carry some positive weight in the balance.”
Pennyfarthing Homes Ltd will have to submit a reserved matters application to the council in relation to specific details for the development.
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