PLANS for apartments in a busy area of Christchurch have been revised by the developer.

Calendula Assets Limited is requesting outline planning permission for a new version of the scheme at 215-225 Barrack Road.

It covers the demolition of the existing buildings at the site, consisting of homes and the Dragon Palace restaurant, and the construction of 36 flats across two x three storey blocks.

The developer already has permission to build 38 flats across three new blocks at the site, having obtained planning permission for its original scheme in November 2021.

The approval came despite 35 objections and opposition from Christchurch Town Council.

Concerns raised over the scheme included ‘insufficient parking’ which could lead to cars parking on surrounding roads, increased traffic congestion in the area, and the possibility of highway safety issues, with children using the route to walk to school.

But these plans have now been ‘revisited’ by the develop in light of a new lease being granted to Dragon Palace.

A supporting statement submitted with the application reads: “At the time of the application many local residents raised issues with the loss of the popular Chinese restaurant on the site of 215 Barrack Road.

“The 215-225 Barrack Road, Christchurch 2 Calendula Assets Limited operators of the restaurant also expressed a desire to stay on the site.

“As a consequence, a new lease has been granted to the restaurant which is to stay on the site. The land is therefore no longer available for redevelopment at this time."

The proposed 36 flats are designed for ‘private rental purposes’, with Calendula Assets Limited already providing a range of other rented accommodation across the conurbation.

The statement continues: “The applicants are aware of client and market requirements and their primary objective is to provide good quality accommodation of a size and within a development which will be attractive to meet the housing requirements and demand, and result in a successful housing development.”

BCP Council are yet to respond to the latest application by Calendula Assets Limited.