Plans to demolish offices and replace it with 'contemporary' new flats

Developer Kinloch Ltd wants to knock down Athena House in Wimborne Road, Bournemouth, and build 17 flats.

The firm, which is the freehold owner of the site, will build the “contemporary” five-storey building as a ‘car free development’. 

Athena House (Image: Google)

The planning application states that cycle parking spaces are provided instead of car bays. 

Developers also say that the flats will not include affordable housing because “given the proposed development is a single block of flats, it is not feasible to provide affordable housing on the site”. 

A design and access statement from Goadsby, on behalf of the applicants, said: “The submitted plans and elevations show a contemporary, modern style of building, with render and brick elevations with large areas of glazing. 

“It extends to five storeys and is set back from Wimborne Road. Each flat has its own private amenity area.  

Winton Library

“The proposed development will do much to improve the street scene in this part of Winton.  

“It will have an acceptable relationship with the adjacent listed Winton Public Library.  

“The site is in a sustainable location, within an easy walking and cycling distance of the centre of Winton. 

“It is also very close to bus stops, with services to Bournemouth and Poole town centres and other parts of the conurbation.”  

Initial sketches of the building design show a cream and grey exterior, with a height taller than the neighbouring library. 

This, however, is not considered detrimental by the developers because of the “substantially improved appearance".  

It added: "The proposed development will improve the appearance of the street scene, have a positive impact on the listed public library, and in particular improve its setting and that of the associated gardens.” 

The proposal, submitted to BCP Council in August, has yet to be decided by the authority’s planning department.