COUNCILLORS have given the green light to a block of “car free” flats which could house up to 80 people. 

Approval has been given to demolish the old office block Tayfield House in Poole Road, Westbourne and replace it with 40 new flats across six floors. 

Bayfield Homes’ new plan comes with a roof garden and would not feature a single car parking space. Instead, there will be room for bicycles. 

But the chief objection among residents before the application went to committee was the lack of parking and what effect that would have on the surrounding area. 

Cllr Jo Clements said: “While I understand our transport and green policies, in the real world I struggle to see how a block of 40 flats that could house 80 people is going to be manageable parking-wise with no parking facility at all.

Bournemouth Echo: CGI of new flatsCGI of new flats (Image: Tayfield Homes)

“It’s already been said how difficult it is parking in the surrounding roads... I just don’t get it.” 

Committee chair Marion Le Poidevin replied : “Unfortunately, it is the [council’s parking standards policies]. We are not here to re-write it.” 

Cllr Gillian Martin dismissed concerns over no parking, saying Poole Road is the “perfect location” for bus routes adding: “People will know there is no parking when they move in”. 

Cllr Felicity Rice we should look to London as an example to “where people live without having private cars” adding it is a change in culture. 

“The majority of BCP is accessible via buses, trains, e-bikes, walking and scooters. There are other options,” she added.  

Planning consultant Chris Miell, of Pure Town Planning and on behalf of the applicant, said the proposal “makes optimal use of the land”. 

Bournemouth Echo: Tayfield House Tayfield House (Image: Daily Echo)

The plans are also car free, which Mr Miell said will encourage residents to shift towards cycling, which reduces emissions and traffic. 

He added: “[There are a] significant amount of cycle parking over two floors and chargers for e-bikes.” 

Meanwhile, residents had previously raised concerns about the possibility of the six-storey design being “overbearing” to neighbouring properties. 

Committee deputy chair Cllr Paul Hilliard said: “When I first saw the objectors and the concerns over light and overshadowing, I was concerned.  

“But the officer has given a great presentation... it has given me a lot of comfort.”  

Cllr John Challinor disagreed: “Given the increase in scale and mass of this building, I suspect it will have some impact on light and have an almost overbearing nature. 

“It is much bigger than what is there at the moment.” 

After an hour of questioning and discussion, the scheme was voted through with nine councillors in favour, two against and three abstaining.