12A Queens Avenue Christchurch BH23 1BZ

1. 1.It is considered that the proposed development by, reason of the scale, bulk, height, mass, and detailed design would create a poorly designed and overly prominent development that would not respect the character of the surrounding area. Due to the location of the site and proximity to the Quomps public open space, the proposed flat roof modern dwelling would create a large and over dominant development to the street scene. The proposal would therefore fail to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the Christchurch Central Conservation Area and would be harmful to the character and appearance of the area. The proposal would therefore be contrary to the aims of Policies HE1 and HE2 of the Christchurch and East Dorset Local Plan (2014) and the NPPF.
2. 2.By combination of the dwelling’s height, design and siting the proposal would be visually overbearing to Number 14a Queens Avenue, this is worsened by the harmful overlooking afforded from the proposed first and second floor balconies to neighbouring dwellings. The proposal would therefore be contrary to the aims of Policy HE2 of the Christchurch and East Dorset Local Plan (2014), and the NPPF.
3. 3.The proposed car parking arrangement fails to adhere to the minimum design specifications required by the council’s adopted standards, as detailed in the BCP Parking Standards SPD (2021). The parking spaces are substandard in size which, given the proposed layout, will likely result in vehicles overhanging the footway thus reducing its available width, to the detriment of the safety and convenience of its users. Additionally, an extended dropped kerb in this location would be detrimental to users of the existing walking network and increases potential conflict between highway users. The proposal is therefore considered to represent poor design and is contrary to Policies KS11 and KS12 of the of the Christchurch and East Dorset Local Plan: Core Strategy (2014) and the aims of the National Planning Policy Framework (2024), which seek new development to provide safe and suitable access for all and to create safe and secure layouts minimising conflicts between traffic and pedestrians.
4. 4.The proposal would result in a harmful impact to existing flood protection measures. Furthermore, as the proposed floor levels fall below the standard expected by the Environment Agency the proposal would be at a higher risk of flooding. The proposal would therefore be contrary to the aims of Policy ME6 of the Christchurch and East Dorset Local Plan (2014) and the NPPF.

From the council's decision notice.

Postcode

BH23 1BZ

Application type

Full Planning Permission

Scale / size

Small

Parish

Christchurch Town Council

Date validated

19 December 2025

Consultation expiry

24 February 2026

Consultation start

3 February 2026

Consultation end

24 February 2026

Agent address

26 Manor Road Verwood Dorset BH31 6DZ

Documents

28