Housebuilder submits proposals for town centre scheme
Dorset housebuilder and developer AJC Group has submitted a full planning application for a scheme in Bournemouth.
The planning application proposes the demolition of the existing building and construction of 33 energy-efficient two- and three-bedroom family houses and a single apartment building made up of eight one-bedroom apartments.
Located on Christchurch Road, the brownfield site has been vacant since 2020 with no commercial interest expressed for leisure or culture uses.
There has been a magnet for anti-social behaviour due to the poor surveillance and lighting.
Following public consultation AJC Group’s proposals provide an opportunity to bring the site forward, providing much-needed family homes for the town.
Simon McFarlane, planning director at AJC Group, said: “Family homes have rarely been delivered on sites in Bournemouth town centre in recent years despite there being a pressing need for them.
“So, we’re pleased to have submitted our plans with a deliberate focus on family housing for this vacant site in the heart of the town centre. Not only do our plans enable opportunities for local families to live in the town centre closer to the amenities they need, but we are also enhancing the visual appearance and the safety of an underused site.
“The feedback we received during our public consultation was largely positive and we have communicated closely with local residents and businesses to ensure they are fully aware of the plans and the benefits our proposals will bring. We’re proud to be contributing to the overall regeneration of this part of Bournemouth town centre and making an important contribution to Bournemouth’s housing supply. We now look forward to working with BCP Council to bring these proposals to reality.”
Working with Dorset-based RIBA Chartered ARC Architecture the proposals have been carefully designed to be sympathetic to the sites urban surroundings.
Plans feature a mixture of two-storey and three-storey houses built to high EPC standards with varying roof forms and a mixed palette for the external facades to break up and create visual interest across the development.
The family homes have all been designed to incorporate private gardens. Proposals also include 26 car parking spaces and 78 cycle parking spaces.
Half of the car parking spaces will be fitted with EV charging points with the remainder equipped for future adaption.
The central location of the development enables future residents access to amenities including local shops, services, and public transport, in turn driving additional footfall and expenditure to these local businesses.
AJC Group currently has four sites under construction including Lindsay Road and The Sloop, which are located in Poole. In Dorchester a partnership project with Aster to deliver 57 affordable homes is well underway. AJC Group is on track to deliver over 200 mixed-tenure homes during 2023, reflecting a total construction value in excess of £100m.
The firm has become one of the most active residential development specialists across the Wessex region and has made a commitment to build 500 affordable homes by 2028.
