RESIDENTS have slammed controversial plans for the former House of Fraser.
“We don’t want any more nightclubs in our town centre”.
This is just just one objection to the proposal put forward by Carve Developments for the site in Old Christchurch Road.
The firm wants to create a new nightclub, accessed via Gervis Place, as well as 10 shops and 129 student rooms.
However, dozens of letters of objection have now been submitted to BCP Council.
Bournemouth attracts thousands of revellers each weekend with a host of nightclubs including Cameo, Walkabout and Revolution.
Read more: Huge plans to convert House of Fraser in Bournemouth town centre
In documents on the council's planning portal, town centre resident Nina Northwood said Dorset Police is “already at the limit as it is".
And, that “we do not need additional vices that spawn anti-social behaviour”.
Gareth Thomas slammed the overall development as being “uninspired”.
He added: “Allowing this will seriously harm any chance of rejuvenating the town centre. No part of this development will be of economic benefit to the town.
“Bars and clubs have already closed in the centre and with the proposed Boho Grand redevelopment around Fir Vale Road, this will hasten the move of this type of establishment further up Old Christchurch Road.”
Another resident warned the nightclub would “ruin the Lower Gardens and create more issues for the authorities”.
Despite this, Dorset Police said it would be making no objections to the proposal but did raise some security considerations.
Read more: Concerns over Bournemouth town centre House of Fraser development
John Green, a crime prevention design advisor at Dorset Police, recommended that communal doors should be “robust” and that good cycle storage security is “vital”.
He said: “This site is in the nighttime economy centre of the town and nightclubs are recognised as hotspots for alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour and assaults.”
Property developers Carve Developments said the nightclub is located two floors below the street level to “significantly reduce noise levels”.
In a statement, it said: “The public benefits of the proposal will be significant and will include bringing a vacant part of the high street back into use, providing well-needed student accommodation in Bournemouth to support growth of the universities, and employment benefits through the provision of the commercial units to the ground floors, a nightclub, restaurant and student accommodation.
“The proposal will also enhance the street scene from its current state which comprises boarding at ground floor level.”
A decision on the application is yet to be made.
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