Housing plans in Highcliffe spark more than 100 objections

Brentland Ltd has put forward an outline planning application for 23 houses off Jesmond Avenue.

The firm previously withdrew a 54-home scheme, which featured 36 apartments and 18 houses, last year.

The site, which was once earmarked as a potential route for the now dropped Highcliffe bypass plans, has been subject to a number of planning bids in recent years.

A statement in support of the latest scheme from Brentland Ltd says the design has been informed by the “opportunities of the site and the established character of the area”. However, scores of residents have filed formal objections to the application, which is currently being considered by BCP Council’s planning department.

The concerns raised include the loss of a large amount of the woodland space and that there are “far too many properties crammed into a small plot of land”.

Highcliffe resident Martin Abbott’s objection says: “The application to build on this well established woodland flies in the face of the directives to preserve the character of a local area as well as effectively destroying a green corridor between the older part of Highcliffe and the newer northern estates.”

The statement submitted on behalf of the applicant by Chapman Lily Planning says: “The proposed dwellings would make more efficient use of urban land.

“The proposed dwellings would provide modern, fit-for-purpose accommodation, meeting an identified need for two and three-bed properties.

“The design and finish are appropriate to the locality and the design has been carefully conceived to avoid harm to neighbour amenity and ensure that a comfortable relationship subsists.”

Highcliffe and Walkford Parish Council said it had “no direct” objection the application, however, councillors had concerns about the impact on the ecology for the area.

The parish council has asked for “specific safeguards” to preserve the tree numbers and the natural habitat as far as possible.