Residents of Sandbanks, millionaires, have protested against the construction of a concrete wall 27 feet high to safeguard their exclusive peninsula.
The structure, that would be higher than the Great Wall of China, would have to be built as part of a controversial £250million development to turn a historic waterfront hotel into a block of luxury flats.
Campaigners assert that the luxury resort of Poole Harbour, Dorset could look similar to a prisoner-of war camp called ‘Stalag’, if the new seawall is constructed.
Sandbanks is renowned as a millionaires’ playground where £10million properties play host to business moguls and celebrities alike.
Over 6,500 objections have been filed against plans to demolish Haven Hotel.
The possibility of Sandbanks’ 27-foot high concrete wall to floodproof the peninsula has angered millionaires. The structure, that would be higher than the Great Wall of China, would have to be built as part of a controversial £250m development to turn a historic waterfront hotel into a block of luxury flats. Above is a joke image that was posted on Twitter by Sandbanks Community Group. Campaigners liken the project to a Stalag prison cell.
Above is an image generated by a computer of the potential development. The original plan for the 6-storey block with 119 luxurious apartments required a 12-foot seawall. However, the Environment Agency demanded further analysis to determine the flood risk. This led to a revised calculation. The developers claim that the sea wall is mechanical and will only be raised from the ground when there’s a flood risk.
Developers accuse campaigners of “scraping” the barrel in an attempt to stop the project. (CGI impression, below, pictured). The case will be heard by Bournemouth and Christchurch planning officials, as well as Poole Council planners, in February
However, anger has grown after the flood modeling report prepared for the developers showed that a 27ft seawall defense is needed around the Poole Harbour site in order to prevent wave surges.
This would make residents feel trapped in German prison camps, according to objectors.
It had been thought that the 6-storey block with 119 luxurious apartments would need a 12-foot seawall. However, the Environment Agency asked for further analysis on the flood risk. This led to a new calculation.
Developers insist that the seawall will only be hydraulically raised from the ground when flooding is imminent.
Over 6,500 objections have been filed against plans to demolish Haven Hotel. This building was constructed in 1880. It is also where Guglielmo Markini, an engineer, established wireless communication.
The campaigners were accused of “scraping” the barrel in trying to stop the development. Officials from Bournemouth and Christchurch will rule on the matter in February.
David Morley is the chairman of Sandbanks Community Group. He said that the sea wall would be taller than the Great Wall of China, and nearly twice the height of Berlin Wall.
“It’ll turn our peninsula to Stalag Sandbanks because Sandbanks will appear like a prison camps.
“The wall was initially estimated by the developers to be 3.75m-4m (13ft), but after further investigation, the Environment Agency determined that the actual measurement is now 8.25m (27ft).
The views from Purbeck are important. These views will be removed, which is just one problem with the development.
Sandbanks (above) is renowned as a millionaires’ playground where £10m properties play host to business moguls and celebrities alike. Poole has the world’s second-largest natural harbour, after Sydney. It is also an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
A tiny mile-long stretch of Sandbanks Road, measuring 850 feet in length, has become the most sought-after stretch of beach real estate around the globe in 2018, surpassing Monte Carlo and Miami. This photo reveals the 13 properties in Sandbanks at the time, which together are worth some £93m
He said: “Sydney Harbour is home to the famous Opera House. Poole Harbour receives a block with flats.
“This tower block, which is out of scale and soulless on Poole Harbour’s beautiful front would make a great first impression for many millions.
Built in 1880, the Haven Hotel is where Guglielmo Markini created wireless communication.
If approved, plans will see the Haven become flats and the Sandbanks Hotel redeveloped into a five-star, 185-bedroom hotel. Harbour Heights will also be transformed into a 38-apartment spa and hotel.
The following documents have been provided by FJB Hotel’s owner, FJB Hotels.
Waterco’s flood modeling report states, “The flood outputs indicate that the crest elevation of the existing floodwall at Sandbanks and Haven Hotel should be increased to minimum levels 7.75-8.25m.”
Poole has the second-largest natural harbour on the planet, after Sydney. It is also an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Both the Environment Agency (2017 submission) and the RSPB have opposed the planning application. These organizations have concerns about how the proposed buildings might affect bird migration.
FJB Hotels’ Richard Carr, the developer, responded by saying that his plans to rejuvenate the coastline would replace’very old and very dated’ hotels with ‘beautiful building’.
He claimed that the campaigners were motivated by greed and opposed the development.
![David Morley, chairman of the Sandbanks Community Group, who are fighting the plans, said: 'This sea wall will actually be higher than the Great Wall of China [above] and almost double the height of the Berlin Wall'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/12/17/17/51931125-10321883-David_Morley_chairman_of_the_Sandbanks_Community_Group_who_are_f-m-24_1639763050541.jpg)
David Morley is the chairman of Sandbanks Community Group. He said that the sea wall would actually surpass the Great Wall of China. [above]Almost twice the height of Berlin Wall
Carr stated that despite the fact that they are correct in stating the need for a wall of mechanical protection in case of an unprecedented flood or hurricane, the barrier will not be present. It will, however, be hydraulic so it won’t be necessary.
“They scrape the barrel. I am very optimistic!” [about the plans being approved]Who in their right minds would oppose it? Only a few millionaires living on the Peninsula and visiting them only once every two years.
“They do not want their beach access taken away and there being a public footpath. It is a constant battle. Their belief that Sandbanks are theirs is grossly unfair.
They shouldn’t try to block the access of the general public to public beaches with their wealth.
He had previously stated that the hotels were very old and very out of date. The Haven Hotel has a structural problem. It has probably lost ten years’ worth of its life.
“I feel that the three buildings I designed are undoubtedly iconic. They give guests the services they need.
“At last, we live on some of the most stunning coastlines in Britain and should have gorgeous buildings along it,”
Sandbanks was ranked the highest-priced coastal property in the world for 2018 and is home to approximately 800 homes. It also has a number of famous residents, including Sir Peter Ogden and Graeme Souness, a former football manager.