Residents in Sandbanks are warning about the destruction of their neighborhood if they build a four-storey tower of Magaluf-style flats.
It would comprise 15 apartments spread over 3 floors, with an office and restaurant on the ground level, and car parking only on basement levels.
Plans for the site in a quieter part of the Millionaires’ Row have sparked dozens of objections from well-heeled residents, including celebrity interior designer Celia Sawyer.
Mrs Sawyer’s luxury waterside home, which she shares with husband Nick, will be just yards away from the complex.
The couple called the new building a ‘monstrosity’ and a ‘grossly oversized development’ that is more in-keeping with the Spanish party capital Magaluf.
Others expressed concerns the ‘huge’ restaurant will lead to increased noise and ‘catastrophic and dangerous’ scenes, with customers jamming up the roads on the exclusive peninsula while looking for a parking space.
Another concern is that at four-storeys, the complex would dwarf residential housing around it and encourage other developers to build just as high.
Members of BCP Council are due to vote on the planning application tomorrow.
In red: The area where the new flats may be built. The controversial development in Poole Harbour, Dorset, would consist of 15 luxury apartments over three floors with a restaurant and office space on the ground floor and parking for residents only at basement level
From another angle. Another concern is that at four-storeys, the complex would dwarf residential housing around it and encourage other developers to build just as high
Sandbanks residents are warning that the area will be ruined if a ‘monstrosity’ of a four-storey block of ‘Magaluf-style’ flats is built. Pictured: Boys playing football in front of the skyline of Magaluf in Mallorca
It is earmarked for a prime harbourside plot that is currently used as a boat yard owned by the Sandbanks Yacht Company.
There is already a restaurant on the site for yacht club members but the new one would be more than twice the size of it with about 150 covers.
David Morley, chairman of the Sandbanks Community Group, said because there is no planned parking for restaurant customers it will be a free for all.
He said: ‘This is an application that is going to set the tone and pattern of future developments on Sandbanks in a very detrimental way.
‘We don’t oppose development but when something like this comes up – something that will take Sandbanks in the wrong direction – then we will dig in.
Many well-off residents objected to plans to locate the site in quieter parts of Millionaires’ Row. Celia Sawyer
“There’s enough traffic in Sandbanks during the summer months, and adding a huge restaurant to the area would cause more congestion.
“We think four stories is excessive and will make a huge blob in the landscape.
M. Sawyer is a cinematographer, food commercial director and film maker.
It was only three floors high, which I could comprehend. But there are no other four-storey buildings. Magaluf is the style.
“It is huge, and will not be able facilitate parking. Residents will only be able to park underground, there won’t even be parking available for restaurants. They will all be going somewhere. It’s too small.
Bill Soper is an architect who lives next to the development. He described it as “horrendous”.
Residents have also written objections to the council and said that Sandbanks would make the area look ugly. It could even “degrade the entire neighbourhood.”
Phoenix Spencer Ltd., the planning agent representing the applicants made a statement stating that there would be many positive effects on the neighborhood from the proposed development.
It would create new jobs for local workers and increase income.
According to them, “The area’s character continues to change with infill development and redevelopment.” The new dwellings in the area are usually 3/4-storey high and blocks of flats, 4-7 storey.
“The proposal building is perfectly appropriate for the natural environment of the site.
Some of Poole Harbour’s well-off residents have raised objections to the controversial plan for development in a more peaceful area of Millionaires Row.
The site already has a restaurant for members of yacht clubs, but this new location would have more than double the capacity and accommodate about 150 people.
“The proposed improvements to the street scene will be accompanied by a new building with good design.
“The development will generate significant employment for the construction sector over the life of the construction project.
It will generate employment for the planned commercial activities.. The additional residents in the region will increase the spending on local facilities and businesses, and contribute to the local economy.
The development will be a desirable location that offers attractive and high quality homes. This will help people achieve their goals and create social wellness. These additional residents will be a benefit to the community.