CONTROVERSIAL plans for 34 new flats at a prime site in Christchurch have been scrapped.
The planning application requesting outline permission for three five-storey blocks at 13 Stour Road has been withdrawn.
It comes just weeks after the scheme received an objection from Christchurch Town Council, which warned it would be “harmful to the character” of the road.
The site is home to Bulstrodes Auctions – an auction house run by Kate Howe Ltd – and a warehouse.
However, the Bulstrode family, who own the land, had plans to demolish the existing buildings to make space for three apartment blocks.
The blocks were designed to comprise of 34 apartments with a mixture of one, two and three bedrooms, and associated parking and cycle storage.
However, the scheme quickly attracted objections from residents and elected leaders, who raised concerns over noise and disturbance, loss of light and privacy, and an ‘out of character’ appearance.
One objecting resident living in Stour Road said: “The proposed Building is too high and will result in a significant loss of light that we have enjoyed for ten years.
“Instead of looking out to a bright blue sky we will have the entrance stairwell of block two together with flats from blocks one and two blocking out our light.
“Our privacy will be severely affected as there are windows and balconies directly overlooking our garden and rear windows. Currently, we are not overlooked.”
Another objecting resident living in Wickfield Avenue said: “If approved this four/five storey construction could set a precedent allowing buildings of this height to become the norm in Christchurch.
“This must not be allowed to happen as it would cause inexcusable harm and detriment to our ancient town.”
Other objections raised concerns about the additional traffic the scheme would bring to Stour Road.
Christchurch Town Council voted to object to the scheme following a planning and regulatory planning committee meeting on Tuesday, October 17.
The town council’s key concerns were the size of the proposed development, the effect it would have on the neighbours, and its incompatibility with adopted local plans.
The outline planning application was withdrawn on November 20.
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