Poole residents demonstrate over building plan (From Thisisdorset)

Poole residents demonstrate over building plan

3:00pm Wednesday 22nd February 2012 in Latest By Diana Henderson

UP IN THE AIR: Neighbours of a proposed new development in Excelsior Road with the scaffolding showing its height

Outraged residents opposing a proposed development have erected scaffolding to demonstrate its “intr-usive” size.

A planning application to demolish the existing home at 5 Excelsior Road, Parkstone, and build a four-bed house was due to go before Poole planners today.

It comes after an Ombudsman’s enquiry of the council’s handling of a previous development in the same road, in which maladministration was found causing injustice to neighbour Ian Walker.

In May 2008 the Ombuds-man recommended Mr Walker be paid £750 by Borough of Poole after planning permission was granted for a pair of semi-detached houses to replace a bungalow, due to a misunderstanding over the number of stories of existing houses.

Twenty-three households have objected to the house, which has three levels of habitable accommodation, and would be 1.5 metres higher than the existing dwelling.

“We are not against good development that enhances the neighbourhood, but this building would be two/three times the size of its neighbours and intrude into our privacy, light and the peaceable enjoyment of our properties.

“We say no,” said neighbour Pat Ingram.

“For too long now, the wishes of long-term residents have been overlooked in favour of short-term speculative developers,” said Mr Walker.

All 10 neighbours in the road have objected to the proposed development, along with 12 in De Redvers Road and Flambard Road.

Rupert Simpson, who erected scaffolding on his home to show the proposed size said: “There are too many examples in this case where the planning officer appears to be heavily looking after the interests of the developer.”

However, the officer’s report which recommends granting the application, says the proposal does not fully comply with adopted planning policies and it is a balanced judgement.

“The proposed dwelling will not materially harm the amenities of neighbouring occupiers by reason of loss of privacy,” said Darryl Howells in his report.

“It is recognised that some loss of light will occur to neighbouring properties, and that the development will appear larger than the dwelling it replaces but on balance, the community benefit of providing a quality, family home in a sustainable location accords with adopted planning policies.”