BCP Council refuse extension plans at Christchurch property

The proposal for 2 Watermead at 23 Willow Way has been refused by BCP Council.

Permission had been sought for the construction of a first-floor mono-pitched roof extension at the site, incorporating sedum roofs and a first-floor rear balcony area.

However, the scheme received 45 objections, with neighbours raising concerns over it being an ‘overdevelopment’, resulting in ‘loss of light’ and ‘noise disturbance’.

2 Watermead at 23 Willow Way (Image: Chapman Lily Planning)

Some also feared it would be ‘physically dominant’ in the area, and ultimately reduce the value of neighbouring properties.

Christchurch Town Council raised an objection to the scheme too, noting the ‘significant negative impact’ it could have on those living nearby.

But the scheme did receive 15 supporting comments, with one person saying: "The proposal will supplement what is already a lovely house and further upgrade the neighbourhood."

Proposals for the site (Image: Chapman Lily Planning)

BCP Council refused the application on July 10, providing its reason as: “The proposed first floor extension, by reason of its siting, scale and design, will result in a visually dominating form of development which would be harmful to the outlook to the occupants of number five Watermead, detrimental to their living conditions and contrary to Policies HE2 and H12 of the Core Strategy (2014) and the advice contained within Part 12 of the NPPF (2023).”

A previous version of the scheme was refused by BCP Council in August 2022, and then dismissed on appeal in June 2023.