The DEFRA site development
This site on Epsom Road opposite Boxgrove Road is the next big housing development in the borough and potentially the biggest residential development in Christchurch Ward for some years. The Council have issued guidelines to help a future owner to achieve a development appropriate for the site and its surroundings.
How much affordable housing?
The Local Plan specifies "at least 35%" of the houses should be affordable. In view of the serious shortage of affordable homes for key workers, we believe that this figure should be set much higher at say 50 - 60%.
We are pleased o note that all the political parties support the need for a higher proportion of affordable houses.
At the December planing meeting, the committee decided to defer their decision indicating that a level of 40 - 50% affordable houses would be more appropriate - a figure suggested in the government green paper.
Respecting the character of the area
This part of Christchurch Ward has a variety of house types including 1900s semi-detached packed close together in Down Road. A few larger detached houses adjoin the site in Gateways and opposite on Epsom Road. The DEFRA site is surrounded on all sides by mature trees, clearly visible in the aerial photo. It is totally screened from all neighbouring properties. We believe that all the perimeter trees can be retained for the benefit of the development.
The site is barely visible from the Downs and it is separated from Down Road by allotments. The character of the area is clearly one of mixed development and is entirely suitable for affordable housing. Local residents have accepted that a development will go ahead.
Concerns have been expressed over increased traffic levels at the busy Boxgrove Road junction. Entry to the site is already traffic-light controlled and therefore we think that there will no serious problems. Other issues raised include the location of some three-storey dwellings on the site, insufficient resident / visitor parking and the need for additional places at local schools. No doubt all these matters will be scrutinised in great detail as the plans progress.
