DEVELOPERS have secured planning permission to knock down an abandoned declining home in Bournemouth. 

Bournemouth-based Stonehaven Homes will send in the bulldozers to a property in Burnaby Road, Alum Chine. 

In its place, the firm will construct a new four-storey block of 11 flats. 

But for Stonehaven’s managing director Steve Beales, the project is more than just the next development. 

He said: “The planning success has a particular special place for me personally, as I bought my first property in Alum Chine over 20 years ago and have great memories from living in the location.

“With planning now secured the demolition of the building will commence this month and with apartments ready for their new owners during the summer of 2025.” 

Bournemouth Echo: Burnaby Road

Stonehaven is “heavily invested” in Bournemouth and Poole, Steve said, with projects including new apartments where Bournemouth’s ‘friendliest hotel’ is - the Lynden Court Hotel in Durley Road. 

He added his company has a “vision to produce positive enhancements to the wider area and much needed housing for our communities”. 

Around 15 people wrote in to the council objecting to the scheme, over fears of the extra cars the building would bring. 

Residents previously said the road is in need of double yellow lines and the area is “densely populated” and “overcrowded”. 

However, planning documents show space for 11 parking spaces – or one for each apartment. 

The “much needed” family homes comprising two one-bedroom flats and nine two-bedroom flats. 

Bournemouth Echo: Burnaby Road

Permission was last given for the site in 2006 to develop a three-storey block of 12 flats but this never came to fruition. 

Steve added: “Stonehaven would like to thank our consultancy team, especially Chapman Lilly and David James Architects, who worked effortlessly overcoming a number of challenges.  

“We would also like to acknowledge the BCP planning team for pragmatically engaging with us to deliver a beautiful development which will replace the current derelict and unsightly building and with an art deco style building, which will preserve and enhance the character of the surrounding area and location.”