PLANS have been lodged for a major housing development at the former gas works site in Christchurch.

Churchill Retirement Living has submitted a formal planning application to BCP Council for the site off Bridge Street.

The scheme includes 177 apartments, 237sqm of commercial space, communal facilities and car parking.

Churchill says it will provide a mix of "affordable, retirement and open-market housing".

The proposal has been in the pipeline since February 2021 with the designs going on display at two public consultation events in October 2022 and January this year.

Bournemouth Echo: View of proposed development from Bridge StreetView of proposed development from Bridge Street (Image: Planning Issues)

Before formally submitting the proposal, Churchill submitted a separate planning application to demolish the former La Mamma’s restaurant – which sits within the site.

BCP Council said the demolition did not require prior approval.

The local authority also said that the former Mostyn's Factory Shop – also within the site – could be demolished too.

The site has now been boarded off with planning notices placed on display, but it is understood that neither of the buildings have been demolished yet.

Churchill has said that if approved, the housing scheme will bring “numerous economic benefits” creating 693 jobs during the construction phase and around 49 jobs in the local area once operational.”

Bournemouth Echo: The site in Bridge Street has been boarded offThe site in Bridge Street has been boarded off (Image: NQ)

The developer listed further benefits in a planning statement submitted as part of the overall scheme.

It said: “The proposal will enhance the vitality and viability of the town centre, with spending of around £2.3 million per annum in local shops and services from the proposed development. There will be savings to the NHS of £3,500 per person per annum from the retirement accommodation. These benefits should be afforded substantial weight in the determination of this application.

“The social benefits include encouraging a multigenerational community.

“The development will facilitate companionship, reducing loneliness, social isolation and the associated health impacts.”

The statement concludes that the proposal “complies with the development plan” as well as “offers numerous and significant planning benefits to Christchurch and the wider area”.

A decision is yet to be made on the planning application.