Decision due on major Poole development

Plans for a major mixed-use development in Poole – which comprises more than 450 apartments, cafes, retail space, and a museum and art gallery – look set to be given the go-ahead this week despite coming up against almost 1,000 objections.West Quay is lined up for site on West Quay Road, which falls within the Twin Sails Regeneration Area.Proposed is demolishing the buildings on the site and replacing them with a huge development.The main element of this would be 454 apartments split across nine buildings of varying heights, with the tallest being 11 storeys. This has been reduced from 562.Following amendments to the proposals to reflect comments received on the originally submitted plans, the application seeks to bring forward two food and beverage units, offices, an art gallery, museum, a replacement facility for Poole Amateur Rowing Club, a quayside walkway and landscaping.Throughout the entire planning process – including several rounds of re-consultations – the application has attracted 1,209 comments. This includes 959 letters of objection, 225 letters of support and 25 neutral responses.Despite the strong levels of concern, a report drawn up ahead of BCP Council’s planning committee meeting on 13 July noted that while there could be some harm arising from the proposal, there are also a “series of public benefits to be realised should planning permission be granted”.These include a ‘significant contribution’ towards the identified housing land supply shortfall, the replacement of “many ageing buildings” and a number of employment opportunities being realised.”Overall, having assessed the scheme in detail it is considered that these public benefits are considerable and outweigh the areas of harm identified,” it added.”Therefore, for reasons set out in this report, that the policies in respect of heritage assets, design and other relevant policies in the Framework do not provide a clear reason for refusal.”