AJC Group submits plan to New Forest District Council to redevelop Becton Centre site in Barton on Sea

A FORMER NHS site in Barton could be levelled to make way for a block of 31 flats.

Plans by AJC Group to replace the Becton Centre in The Fairway with a three-storey residential building have been submitted to New Forest District Council.

In its application, the developer stated the NHS had stopped using the site in January 2021, having transferred its mental health services to a facility at Rushington Business Park Estate in Totton.

The previous owner had “disposed” of the building due to the “significant investment” that would have been needed to make it fit for purpose, it was stated.

Acting for the applicant, agent Chapman Lily Planning said the proposed building seeks to implement an “attractive high-quality" development with a modern contemporary appearance that complements the area.

One objector wrote to NFDC to say the proposed building will have a “detrimental” effect on his home because at least four flats will overlook his back garden.

He also warned the scheme’s proposed 31 parking spaces left “no allowance” for visitors or two-car families, adding this would “no doubt lead to serious parking problems that may also lead to overspill parking on Becton Lane”.

The applicant told NFDC other people had expressed concerns over the height of the proposed building, the “lack” of on-site parking provisions, the loss of trees, flats overlooking nearby balconies and gardens, and an increase in noise and traffic “generated by the development”.

Representations were also received asking if the existing building could be retained and redeveloped to offer affordable housing and a “green wall” to absorb fuel emissions from the development.

However, AJC said it had received letters from the public praising the scheme for staying within the existing building’s footprint.

The application states: “The palette of materials proposed includes windows and doorframes having a bronze finish, which will be complementary when seen alongside the proposed light-coloured brick and bronze metal cladding fascia detailing to the balconies, and the metal cladding and vertical imitation timber cladding to the elevations of the upper floor.

“The design philosophy works in harmony with the residential character of the locality, as well as the need set out in the national planning policy framework to make the optimal use of land.

“The scheme has been carefully conceived to respect and enhance the character of the area as well as the desire to maintain a good relationship with neighbouring properties and achieve a positive assimilation into the street scene.”