Flats plan for car dealership site in Ringwood Road, Poole

Bournemouth and Poole Car Sales Ltd has sought outline permission for the development of 24 apartments on the site at 540 Ringwood Road, Newtown.

BCP Council's planning department is currently considering the proposals, which would involve the demolition of the existing buildings.

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If approved, a single block of 10 one-bed and 14 two-bed apartments would be built.

A planning, design and access statement submitted by consultants Spruce Town Planning said the scheme would be "making more efficient use of the accessible location".

"The proposal is for a policy compliant development that will contribute positively to the residential frontage of Old Wareham Road and Ringwood Road through the use of high quality architecture and materials," the statement said.

"From an economic perspective, the proposal will make an efficient use of this accessible site for the development of 24 new homes which will make a contribution to the district’s housing need.

"From a social perspective, the proposal will provide 24 homes which will be of an appropriate design, type and mix, and will respond well to the identified local need of the area and shall be accessible to local services."

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The development would see the existing dual site access replaced with a single access created at the rear of the site in St George's Avenue.

There would be 24 car park spaces on site, secure cycle storage and a communal bin collection point.

Spruce Town Planning's statement said the current Poole Local Plan supports the redevelopment of sites from employment to residential in Ringwood Road.

The outline application sets out that the council is to consider all aspects of the proposal apart from landscaping.

Residents have until March 18 to submit comments on the local authority's planning portal.