COUNCILLORS have refused planning permission for the controversial redevelopment of the Steamer Point site in Christchurch.

Despite being recommended to approve the scheme, BCP Council’s planning committee voted to rejected Pennyfarthing Homes’ proposals for the former Coastguard complex.

They said people had accepted the site would be redeveloped but that the construction of flats and the removal of trees were not in keeping with its clifftop location.

Most recently used by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), the land at Steamer Point, next to the nature reserve, was bought by developer Pennyfarthing Homes several years ago.

The MCA had previously won planning permission for 26 homes following an appeal against Christchurch council for twice refusing schemes.

Pennyfarthing Homes has been seeking permission to build a block of flats as part of its redevelopment plans.

Its application proposed the construction of a four-storey block of 17 flats alongside nine homes.

But more than 150 people objected to it, including ward councillors with councillor Nigel Brooks calling it in for consideration by the council’s planning committee.

He said building flats in that area was against planning policy and raised concerns about the “detrimental” impact the development would have on the neighbouring nature reserve.

Despite this, council planning officer Kim Bowditch recommended permission be granted, although she said her judgement was “finely-balanced”.

But, speaking at Thursday’s planning committee meeting, Cllr Brooks again urged the application be rejected.

“To ask for a four-storey block of flats on the most prominent part of the site is totally wrong and inappropriate, both on policy grounds and aesthetics,” he said.

Councillor Lesley Dedman, who represents Mudeford, Stanpit and west Highcliffe, said the plans were “not in tune” with the area.

Their position was backed by the planning committee which agreed to support Cllr Dedman’s ward colleague, and committee member, councillor Paul Hilliard, who proposed permission be refused.

He said his proposal was made “on the basis of scale and mass” of the proposed development.

Councillor Steve Baron, one of 11 committee members to back Cllr Hilliard, said the scheme was not suitable for that part of the conurbation.

“The sheer massing is completely out-of-keeping for the area,” he said. “If it was an application on the West Cliff in Bournemouth I’d be looking at it very differently.”

Four councillors voted against refusing the application.