New housing application for Steamer Point in Christchurch

Pennyfarthing Homes want to redevelop the former MCA Training Centre site and build 21 homes comprising of 12 houses and nine flats.

The current state of the area has been described as in a “rapid state of decay”, with graffiti sprayed all over the outside and inside of the building and windows and doors smashed up.

Developers say the proposals would make “effective and optimal use of a brownfield site, it removes low quality buildings that have become an eyesore following repeated vandalism and introduces build form that is high quality in all respects”.

Plans for the former coastguard site at Steamer Point in Christchurch

They also said it would “enhance character and appearance” to the area as well as contribute to the council’s housing targets.

In March last year, despite being recommended to approve the scheme, BCP Council’s planning committee voted to rejected proposals for 26 homes at the former Coastguard complex.

• Read more: Homes plan for Steamer Point are rejected

While this decision is still under appeal, the updated plans, submitted last year, have reduced the number of homes and the size of the flat complex.

However, a number of residents and a councillor have repeated concerns that the plans do not fit the areas “character”.

The former MCA Training Centre site in Steamer Point, Christchurch.

Highcliffe and Walkford councillor Nigel Brooks said: “The scale of a three and a half storey apartment block is not in keeping, character or setting of the surrounding area, which is virtually totally low-density housing. This element of the development should be rejected.

“The apartment block is contrary to the current planning policy ENV9 ‘proposals are designed to respect the scale and character of neighbouring buildings and landscape features and to ensure that the existing skyline is not broken’.

“The cutting back of overhanging trees along the site’s east boundary with the Nature Reserve is detrimental to the overall visual presentation of the reserve.”

Property plans for the former MCA Training Centre site in Steamer Point, Christchurch. Picture: Pennyfarthing Homes

Friars Cliff resident Dr Robert Sarre said: “In fairness to the developers, the incongruous Art Deco block has been re-orientated such that it is now proposed to parallel the shoreline and it has been reduced in height.

“However, this minor modification does nothing to reduce the design dominating the closer popular beach areas. Indeed, if anything it will be even more intrusive than before as the proposed block is closer to the cliff edge along its whole length.”

Developers have made attempts to limit the impact on natural resources, such as reducing the extent of tree loss, as a direct response to the previous rejection. However according to the council's tree and landscaping officer, the proposal would result in the loss of 52 TPO trees.

Pennyfarthing Homes also say the construction process would support local jobs and make effective use of the unused land.