Revised plans for flats at The Sloop site in Poole approved

Members of BCP Council’s planning committee elected to approve AJ Developments’ resubmitted plans for a block of 86 flats at the former Sloop pub site in Commercial Road.

The Poole-based developer previously gained full planning permission for a 74-home scheme at the site, before submitting a new plan to expand the project by 12 extra homes.

Plans were put before the committee following a ‘call-in’ by ward councillor Steve Baron who cited several areas of concern.

The Sloop pub in Poole before demolition

Prior to the meeting, council planning officers had recommended the plans be approved due to them achieving the “economic, environmental and social objectives of sustainable development”.

Representing AJ Developments at the meeting was planner Simon McFarlane, who said: “In the BCP area, we are currently at various different stages of construction and delivery of 180 new homes across five separate sites.

“We are committed to significant investment in the area, not only financially but also emotionally.”

However, Cllr Baron said the developers had demonstrated “no respect” to the planning process with the re-submission. He told members: “If you gave me a crystal ball, I could give Mystic Meg a run for her money because I could see this one coming back.

“It’s disappointing the applicants have the effrontery not only to apply for the affordable housing condition to be removed, which was refused rightfully so, but also to add another floor to an already high building.

CGI showing rear side of new plans for The Sloop pub site in Commercial Road, Poole

“To me this demonstrates absolutely no respect for the conditions secured previously.

“Hopefully the committee says enough is enough and refuses this application.”

The new plan was also point of concern for Poole mayor Cllr Tony Trent, who said: “I’m worried about the incremental nature of this development.

“I just don’t think its appropriate for the location and I would be very uncomfortable to see it granted.”

Cllr Toby Johnson disagreed, saying: “I don’t see how we can argue it’s out of keeping when it’s between one block of flats and another site where we’ve approved a block of flats that is almost exactly the same height.”

Difference in originally approved plans for flats at The Sloop site in Poole compared to newly approved plans (Image: BCP Council)

Cllr Tony O’Neill too found merit with the development, praising its design and describing it as “on the money”.

Before casting a vote, chair Cllr Dave Kelsey said while he questioned the ethics of “incremental” planning applications, the role of the committee was simply to judge the applications put before them.

The plans were granted after receiving nine votes for, one against and one abstention.

When finished, the seven-storey building will provide one three-bed, 12 two-bed and 73 one-bed flats. There will also be 46 car parking spaces, with some EV charging provision, and 120 cycle spaces.