APPROVED plans for a major 78-apartment project along Holes Bay will be redesigned amid market changes.
In November 2020, BCP Council gave the green light for developer Fortitudo to build a part 11-storey part five-storey mixed use development comprised of 78 apartments and commercial space at 27-31 West Quay Road in Poole.
The proposed building would have replaced the existing Golden Arrow Marine sales and service centre with 33-one bed, 25-two bed, 20 studio apartments.
In the application, planners Chapman Lily said: “The replacement building will provide a modern, fit-for-purpose development designed to serve as a landmark at this important part of Poole.
“Its mixture of curves and straight lines takes influences from buildings found elsewhere in the vicinity [and] creates a distinctive, iconic building, instantly recognisable as part of this newly revitalised area of Poole.”
Despite 34 official objections being submitted by residents and groups concerned about the development, council planners said it would “enhance the character” of the area and provide “highly sustainable” homes.
However, more than two years after the plans were approved Fortitudo CEO Richard Carr has told the Echo that changes to the market made by government among other issues has forced a redesign of the project.
He said: “Things have changed and moved on so we’ll be working on redesigning the plans this year.
“The market has changed, especially with the loss of the Help to Buy scheme where government moves have really changed the dynamics of the market place.”
In October 2018, the government announced the Help to Buy: Equity Loan scheme would run end on March 31, 2023. There are no plans to extend or replace the scheme.
Affordable housing provision forms part of the council’s local plan for all major housing developments.
Despite the setback Mr Carr said the physical design of the proposed building was unlikely to change, however added that original plans for 43 car parking spaces at lower ground floor, ground floor, and first floor levels would have to be adapted.
Last year, £25.3m worth of housing units were sold in Fortitudo developments across the region.
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