Sandbanks hotels development: Residents have their say

Developer Fortitudo’s near £300m plans to replace the Sandbanks Hotel, Haven Hotel and Harbour Heights Hotel with new hotel, apartment, and leisure complexes have been a hot topic since 2017.

As reported, amended plans were submitted in May addressing the flooding concerns which saw the proposals refused by BCP Council last year.

Under the new proposals, the buildings will stay the same height, but the ground floors will be elevated by 12ft.

CGI of proposed developments to the three hotels in Sandbanks (Image: Fortitudo)

Richard Carr, who is submitting the plans on behalf of FJB Hotels, said they have spent £40,000 on a report which they believe shows a sea wall will not be needed due to the elevated ground floors.

He said: “Clearly there are a great many number of benefits for the area should this get approved because not only is it going to give the BCP area new world-class hotels, it's going to provide a substantial amount of employment and be better for the environment because they will use less energy - it ticks an enormous amount of boxes.”

The Sandbanks Community Group, however, are digging their heels in the sand.

Sandbanks Community Group chair Norman Allenby-Smith (Image: BNPS)

They say they will be unveiling alternative plans for the Haven Hotel site in September with a multi-million-pound community funded project which is thought to include a hotel and retail area.

Group chairman Norman Allenby-Smith said: “A better alternative scheme must open up access to the site for the benefit of residents and visitors, resulting in a significant increase in the public realm and public activities.

“We must utilise a once in a lifetime opportunity to landmark the approach to Poole Harbour from the sea and provide a focal point for all in the BCP area.”

Alan Lester, 64, a retired barrister who has lived on Sandbanks for 23 years, said: “The key is to recognise this is the entrance to a beautiful harbour and the Jurassic Coast.

Sandbanks resident Alan Lester (Image: BNPS)

“This [Haven] proposal is completely out of character with the area - it might be fine in an inland location but this is an iconic spot and it would not look right.”

• Read more: Sandbanks hotels developer responds to criticism

Holidaymaker Liz Lidster, 61, who came down to Sandbanks from Oxfordshire, said it would be “a shame” to see the Haven Hotel go.

Sandbanks holidaymaker Liz Lidster (Image: BNPS)

The housekeeper said she first stayed there with her children 30 years ago and it holds “lots of happy memories”.

However, Alan Clarke, 63, who owns the adjoining Haven Ferry Shop, said the investment could help nearby traders.

He said: “The proposals will not harm the business – in fact the flats may improve footfall.

Haven Ferry Shop owner Alan Clarke (Image: BNPS)

“I understand why the locals are up in arms about it but if the hotel is in the condition people say it is something will need to happen.

“The owners say that it needs pulling down but ideally they will replace it with another hotel.

“A compromise needs to be reached.”