Plans lodged for former MCA Centre at Steamer Point

Pennyfarthing Homes Ltd has submitted its scheme for the former Maritime Coastguard Agency training facility at Steamer Point.

It outlines the demolition of the existing buildings to make space for ten new detached homes, with associated car parking and landscaping.

The 1.35-hectare site is currently vacant and remains in a poor state having been vandalised.

The applicant says it is of “paramount importance” to develop the space “in order to protect the visual amenity” of Steamer Point.

Despite this, previous attempts by developers to build on the land have not always been received well by residents and councillors.

Pennyfarthing's proposed site plan for the former MCA Training Centre site (Image: Luken Beck)

In August 2022, Pennyfarthing Homes Ltd had a scheme for 21 houses and apartments refused by BCP Council for its “unacceptable impact”.

An earlier scheme for 26 houses and apartments was refused in in March 2021, before having an appeal dismissed in July 2022.

The newly submitted plans are said to have “overcome to reasons for refusal of the previous appeal”, which included concerns over protected species, trees, and the character of the development.

A planning statement, prepared on behalf of the developer and submitted as part of the application, reads: “Since the appeal decision, further survey work has been undertaken to better appreciate bat activity locally.

“A dark corridor is located on the eastern edge of the site, with no development proposed within this area.

Pennyfarthing's proposed developments (Image: Luken Beck)

“Furthermore, the scheme has been designed to ensure lighting from the dwellings is minimised without the need to use “smart glass”

“A significant reduction in units from 26 units, including a substantial block of flats, to ten dwellings has created a much lower density resulting in a more spacious development that is more sympathetic to the sylvan character of the site and ensures that existing trees are better respected and the majority retained.”

It adds that there will be “minimal development” within the poot protection areas of existing trees.

A decision is yet to be made on the planning application. It will remain open for public consultation until December 29.