Dorset-based developer AJC Group has been granted planning permission for a housing project in Bournemouth town centre to redevelop the derelict Buzz Bingo Hall and provide 40 much-needed affordable houses and apartments for the local community.
Located off Christchurch Road, the former bingo hall is currently surrounded by an underused car park which has attracted antisocial behaviour. It will now be given a new lease of life. The new homes will be of a modern contemporary style and arranged around a central street in a mews style layout, providing a new attractive street scene with tree planting. Each home will be highly energy efficient, with parking provided, rear private gardens for the individual houses, balcony space at the front for the apartments and a community urban allotment.
Simon McFarlane, Planning Director at AJC Group, said following the approval: “Bournemouth town centre has had very little family-sized housing delivered over the last 20 years and there is a resulting imbalance and lack of opportunity for families to live there. The site is very well located within easy walking distance of the town’s services, facilities and workplaces. The regeneration of an underused site will provide significant economic and social benefits to this part of Lansdowne and the wider town centre.
“The site will be brought forward in partnership with an affordable housing provider and be delivered as 100% affordable housing. This is particularly important given the council’s severe lack of housing land supply and an average house price of over 11 times the average salary. We welcome the positive and pragmatic approach the council’s planning officer has taken in granting planning permission by delegated powers.”
