MP calls for review of Southbourne Crossroads car park flats

Mr Ellwood is set to launch a parliamentary petition over the scheme for four blocks of apartments at the Southbourne Crossroads car park.

His concern is that the loss of a car park is “not justified” and does not align with the “needs of Bournemouth”.

As reported, Vivir Estates Ltd first submitted a planning application to build at the site in May 2021.

While the application was initially refused, it was later approved following an appeal by the developer.

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The planning inspector on the case, Benjamin Webb, said Southbourne Crossroads car park sees “very little use” for the “majority of the year”, and described how on his visit to the site, there was only one vehicle using the space.

However, Mr Ellwood argues this data was obtained prior to the Covid pandemic, and that the car parking needs of the town are likely to have changed since then.

He told the Daily Echo: “The concern that I have is that the data that was used to justify the sale of the car park was inaccurate.

Tobias Ellwood at Southbourne Crossroads car park (Image: Tobias Ellwood)

“A refreshed survey or review is needed over what the car park needs are for Bournemouth post covid, considering staycations and tourism.”

Mr Ellwood added that he had met with residents and councillors who supported the decision to launch a petition which called for a review of the scheme.

He said: “I’ve spoken to a number of residents in Southbourne and there certainly is a view that this car park is a critical asset.

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“We are a tourist destination, people come to Bournemouth in cars. So, we should not be building on car parks.”

Mr Ellwood made clear that his aim was not necessarily to boycott the scheme, but to prompt discussions into it. 

He added: “Hopefully the petition will lead to sensible, pragmatic and measured conversations.

“It could be that the design is influenced to allow some car parking, or an obligation for all of the flats to have off road parking.

“It’s going to be difficult, but it will place pressure on the developers to come to the table and see what can be done to allow for a better conclusion.”