Plan to demolish Purbeck Court flats in Boscombe for new development

Collerino Developments Ltd again wish to replace the existing three-storey Purbeck Court flat block in Boscombe Overcliff Drive with a modern five-storey block of 19 two-and-three-bedroom flats.

In September last year, the plans were called in to be heard at BCP Council’s planning committee after ward councillor Andy Jones expressed concerns the project would be an overdevelopment of the site.

Members debated the proposals and were mostly split in their support. An eventual motion to refuse the plans was approved following a close eight votes to six in favour.

CGI of plans for new block of flats at existing Purbeck Court site in Boscombe Overcliff Drive (Image: Arc Architecture)

The newly submitted scheme remains exactly the same as previous with the exception that none of the 25 planned parking spaces are to be allocated to any of the flats.

This change came after committee members expressed worry that the loss of existing visitor parking spaces would lead to an increase in indiscriminate parking elsewhere.

However, the previous application did receive some support – including from residents of the existing Purbeck Court. One such resident said: “This is a reluctant support as I love living in this area and this building.

“Unfortunately, Purbeck Court is no longer fit for purpose. It has long been a concern that the existing building has several historical issues regarding accessibility and safety.”

Existing Purbeck Court flats building in Boscombe (Image: BCP Council)

Cllr Jones has again called-in the plans to be discussed at committee, which have been recommended for approval, citing overdevelopment and an increase in traffic.

Council case officer Franc Genley said: “The benefits provided through the provision of new housing would be supported by the proposal’s success in delivering the salient economic, social and environmental objectives of sustainable development.”

In the application, planners said: “The proposals simply seek to provide a new purpose-built building providing modern accommodation and more appropriate in character terms to the evolving nature of the Overcliff, which is experiencing gradual regeneration with older style buildings being replaced by modern blocks.”

No affordable housing contribution is offered with the proposal which will go before committee on Thursday, January 19.