Poole-based housebuilder AJC Group has submitted an Outline Planning Application to Bournemouth, Poole, and Christchurch (BCP) Council for the proposed redevelopment of 245-251 High Street North, Poole. The planning application proposes demolition of an existing three-storey commercial building, with the erection of a five-storey apartment scheme, including a ground floor commercial unit.
The residential development would provide much needed one- and two- bedroom housing within Poole. 32 apartments – including 28 one-bedroom homes, and four two-bedroom apartments – have been proposed. At the ground floor, there will be a cycle store with one bike space allocated for each apartment, and a bin store. The location of the site is highly sustainable, and within walking distance of an array of town centre amenities, tourist attractions, and transport links.
High Street North adjoins the George roundabout, which is a key circulation point for vehicles travelling in and out of Poole town centre. The bus and train station – and the retail heart of the town centre – are close to the site, and the development lies within flood zone 1, which reflects the lowest level of risk. Christchurch-based ARC Architecture has created the design and drawings for the outline application.
David Cracklen, Director of AJC Group, said: “We are very pleased to have lodged our outline plans for this scheme with BCP Council. The proposals for this central urban development project would work in harmony with the site’s opportunities and constraints. The design reflects the evolving character of the locality and makes optimal use of the land. High Street North is a vibrant part of Poole and these plans will enhance the current surroundings, as well as working in line with the Poole Local Plan, which aims to transform and enhance the town centre.
“Our outline proposals are for a highly sustainable development, without car parking, as the site’s central location will encourage healthy alternative forms of transport, as promoted in the Local Plan.”
The proposed design of the building is of a modern and contemporary style, featuring full length windows at the front of the elevation, which would allow light to flood into each of the 32 apartments. The scale of the scheme has been carefully considered and will sit comfortably within the existing street scene, complementing the modern buildings in close proximity.
The internal layout includes a lift to enable wheelchair accessibility to all floors. AJC Group has also outlined that seven of the apartments will be compliant with M4(2) considerations, designed as ‘accessible and adaptable homes’. 10% of the scheme will be allocated for affordable housing, but this could be increased at a later stage in the planning process. The new scheme would be constructed to a very high EPC rating and incorporate a proportion of energy use from renewable energy sources.
AJC Group is on track to deliver over 200 mixed-tenure homes during 2023, reflecting a total construction value in excess of £100m. The firm has become one of the most active residential development specialists across the Wessex region.
Six sites are currently under construction by AJC Group, including a development in the village of Okeford Fitzpaine near Blandford Forum in rural Dorset. Live projects on Lindsay Road, The Sloop, and Herbert Avenue, are all located in Poole, while The Sonnet apartment scheme is in Bournemouth. The firm has also recently started construction at one of its largest projects, which will deliver 57 affordable houses and apartments for Aster Group within the former Dorchester Brewery regeneration scheme.
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