Fears Sandbanks will turn into Magaluf if flats are built

The controversial development being planned for a quieter part of the Millionaires’ Row in Poole Harbour has sparked dozens of objections from some residents.

One of those is Celia Sawyer, the celebrity interior designer whose home she shares with husband Nick will be just yards away from the complex.

They called the new building a ‘monstrosity’ and a ‘grossly oversized development’ that is more in-keeping with the Spanish party capital Magaluf.

Others expressed concerns the ‘huge’ restaurant will lead to increased noise and ‘catastrophic and dangerous’ scenes with customers jamming up the roads on the exclusive peninsula while looking for a parking space.

Another concern is that at four storeys, the complex would dwarf residential housing around it and encourage other developers to build just as high.

The development would consist of 15 luxury apartments over three floors with a restaurant and office space on the ground floor and parking for residents only at basement level.

It is due to be considered by BCP Council today.

It is earmarked for a prime harbourside plot that is currently used as a boat yard owned by the Sandbanks Yacht Company.

There is already a restaurant on the site for yacht club members but the new one would be more than twice the size of it with about 150 covers.

David Morley, chairman of the Sandbanks Community Group, said because there was no planned parking for restaurant customers it would be a free for all.

He said: “This is an application that is going to set the tone and pattern of future developments on Sandbanks in a very detrimental way.

“We don’t oppose development but when something like this comes up – something that will take Sandbanks in the wrong direction – then we will dig in.

“There is enough congestion on the roads in the summer months when Sandbanks is jammed, so adding a giant restaurant that will lead to extra traffic and parking in the neighbourhood would be a nightmare."

Mr Sawyer said: “The reality is that there is nothing along this road that suits it.

“I could understand if it was three storeys but there is not one other building which is four storeys high. It is Magaluf in style.

“It’s huge and it’s not going to be able to facilitate parking. The underground car park will be for residents only – there is no parking for the restaurant. Where will they all go? There’s no space here as it is.”

In a statement, a planning agent acting on behalf of the applicants, Phoenix Spencer Ltd, said the new development would bring a lot of benefits to the area, including jobs and income.

They said: “The character of the area continues to evolve with infill and redevelopment. New dwellings within the vicinity tend to be three to four storeys in height and blocks of flats four storeys in height.

“It will provide employment within the commercial operations being proposed. Additional residents within the area will contribute to the spend in local businesses and facilities and add to the local economy.

“The development will provide good quality and attractive homes in a sought-after location which will meet persons aspirations and thus generate social well being. The additional residents will contribute to the local community.”