Local residents have their say on redevelopment proposals

Over 300 local Christchurch residents attended a public exhibition yesterday, 15 May, to view plans to regenerate the site of the former police station and magistrates’ court.

Visitors had the chance to ask questions to representatives of Aster Group, who exchanged contracts on the site earlier this year. Other attendees included planning consultants and construction partners.

The proposed scheme includes over 100 new homes for a mixture of affordable rent, shared ownership and open-market sale.

Plans also include new retail space and around 50 retirement flats.

A spokesperson from Aster, said: “It was great to see so many local residents and address a number of their concerns particularly around local traffic and car parking.

“Following a car parking study, the local council has concluded that other local sites will be able to deal with the closure of Pit Site and Bargates car parks.

“We will be working closely with the council and will include a transport assessment as part of our planning application.

”We will continue to liaise with local residents throughout the process and answer any questions they may have.”

Aster will compile and analyse all the responses received and use them to help shape the final proposals.

This will be submitted as a planning application to Christchurch Borough Council later in the year.