TWO separate applications for new apartment blocks to be built directly opposite one another in a residential road have been ‘red-carded’ by a concerned councillor.
Munster Road in Penn Hill, Poole, could soon see a new block of 22 apartments at a former care home on one side of the road and a block of 10 apartments replace an existing home on the other.
Applicant Roy Bolson wants to transform the former Wessex Lodge Rest Home at 16 Munster Road into a modern apartment block comprised of 21 two-bedroom and one three-bedroom apartments in the brownfield location with associated car and cycle parking.
Bournemouth-based developer Stonehaven Holdings, meanwhile, has submitted an application to demolish the home at 19 Munster Road and replace it with a block of 10 apartments directly opposite the former care home.
This proposal is for 10 three-bed units with provision for 20 car parking spaces and private balcony/terraces for each flat.
However, concern over both applications has been raised by residents and ward councillors who have described the plans as “overbearing” and “adverse” to the road’s primarily detached house aesthetic.
Cllr Bryan Dion, with the support of Penn Hill colleague Cllr Tony O’Neill, ‘red-carded’ or called-in both applications – the objective of which is to ensure any decision on the applications are taken by the BCP Council planning committee and not an officer.
One of Cllr Dion’s reasons for calling-in the Wessex Lodge application was “the loss of a residential care home for the elderly, adding to the shortage crisis of such facilities”.
Opposing to the block of 10 apartments application, Cllr O’Neill said: “The design fails to confirm sufficient amenity space given the proposed number of apartments and I note little contribution to support the need for affordable housing.”
Acting on behalf of the Roy Bolson, planners Savills said in the Wessex Lodge application: “The proposed development would regenerate this site to deliver highly sustainable, energy efficient, high-quality homes which will respect and enhance the evolving character of the street.
“The proposal would provide a high-quality environment and levels of amenity for both residents of the property and neighbours.”
Both applications have received more than 45 objections combined and are still available for viewing on the BCP Council online planning portal.
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