RESIDENTS have voiced their concerns about a planning proposal for 27 new homes to be built on Southbourne Cross Roads car park.

The plans would provide 24 two-bed and three one-bed flats across blocks up to four-storeys tall.

The existing car park has 75 spaces. The application proposes 29 spaces for residents in the form of undercroft car parking – underneath the housing.

A planning, design and access statement by David James Architects & Partners Ltd on behalf of the applicant Vivir Estates Ltd says: “There exists a fantastic opportunity for the application site to accommodate a new landmark development to address Southbourne Cross, which would compliment and enhance the evolving area of Southbourne, as well as the immediate street scene, and provide much need housing stock to the area.”

However, residents raised a number of concerns at a public meeting on Wednesday October 13, in the presence of the Councillor for East Southbourne & Tuckton Eddie Coope.

Issues raised included the loss of the communal garden situated in the car park, the reduction of car parking spaces from 75 spaces to 29, the loss of sea views for residents living in the adjacent buildings and structural concerns about the destabilisation of the cliff top.

Other concerns were also raised about the impact on Southbourne Cross as a heritage site (the group says they have the support of Bournemouth Civic society), the creation of an alleyway between the buildings which could cause anti-social behaviour and affect women’s safety and a potential increase in illegal parking on the adjacent roads due to the loss of the car park.

Read more: Plans for 'landmark development' of flats on Southbourne car park are submitted

The group of residents also expressed issues with the new flats not being ‘affordable or social housing for people in the local area’ and that once building starts they worry that ‘permission will be granted for further floors to be built.'

Councillor Eddie Coope said: “Everything that has more or less been said tonight is viable and that’s what we need to concentrate on, the heritage and how this is going to impact locally on the cliff and the stability.

“I’m the only one that voted against selling off the car park in the first place and as far as I know at the moment, I’m the only one that’s spoken against this development, so I’m on board.

“I only live down the road, I’m born and bred in Christchurch so I’ve seen the whole area develop over a number of years and this area is passionate to me.

“I will do all I can when we get to the planning board to have our say.”

In the following weeks, the planning proposal will be put before the BCP Planning Committee, Councillor Coope says this is likely to take place in November.