MAJOR plans to redevelop a quayside site and build a new hotel and apartment complex have been narrowly approved.
After five years of discussions, developers behind plans to demolish the Poole Quay Hotel – previously known as the Thistle Hotel – can now build a project they say will “stand the test of time”.
A narrow approval of six votes to five by BCP Council’s planning committee means the hotel can be replaced by five buildings (ranging between three to seven storeys) providing a new 146-bedroom hotel, 179 residential flats and two shops.
Members debated the plans which were amended in August in response to hundreds of objections.
Previous proposals for a much larger development were rejected by the committee in 2021, a decision upheld in an appeal to the government’s Planning Inspectorate.
Poole Quays Forum member Bill Constance spoke out against the plans at the meeting and said the “bland and uninteresting” design was too similar to the one previously refused.
“It’s not so big, but it’s still massive,” he said. “We need a development that will boost local pride, preserve and enhance the conservation area and provide delight for future generations.”
Project architect Guy Hollaway, meanwhile, said planners had listened carefully to resident feedback and that the design was heavily influenced by this.
He said: “We want to create and realise a fabulous project for Poole which we can all be proud of [and] will regenerate this part of the town.”
The 179 apartments will comprise of 65 one-bed, 104 two-bed, and ten three-bed units. However, the residential project would not accommodate any dedicated car parking.
Cllr Sharon Carr-Brown said while she was “more comfortable” with the new design, she expressed concern the apartments would not be bought by local people.
She told the committee: “What I’m seeing is investment properties, not homes, and what we require is homes.”
Other members agreed the design was an improvement. Cllr Michael Tarling said: “I think architecturally this scheme has very well addressed the issues that were raised before.
“I think it speaks quite strongly to the heritage of Poole.”
Cllr Jo Clements added: “Change is inevitable, and change is necessary.”
Members ultimately approved the plans by one vote, subject to conditions set out by BCP Council.
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