Retirement flats in Highcliffe given go-ahead despite objections

A DEVELOPMENT of 38 retirement flats in Highcliffe has been given the green light despite residents claiming the village does not need any more housing for older people and is

being turned into “retirement-ville”.

Seven buildings along Seaton Road and Lymington Road are to be demolished to make way for modern-style apartments which will comprise 27 one-bedroom and 11 two-bedroom flats. There will be 28 spaces for cars and 50 for bicycles.

BCP Council gave the go-ahead to developer Fayrewood Properties despite more than 20 letters of objection from local residents.

One blasted the development, saying: “Highcliffe is already known as retirement-ville. We should be encouraging a younger generation to move into the village which would also encourage business to the area.”

Another complained: “The local services just cannot cope, plus we need a younger group living in our area – a good healthy mix and affordable homes for younger families.”

The planning application was a resubmission on a smaller scale from a previous set of proposals.

In a BCP Council report, a planning officer pointed out the development could not be refused on “demographic” grounds, and stated the apartments could be accommodated on the site.

The scheme also accorded with national government guidance on the authority’s Local Plan which has a current shortfall of more than 400 dwellings.

The officer concluded that the proposed development “maximises the use of the site without significant detriment to the character of the area”.

Other residents were in favour too, with one calling it “an asset to the village and a lot better than the existing buildings at the site”.