Homeowners on a picturesque Bournemouth street are seeing their property dreams crumble after developers constructed a colossal 100-foot concrete wall that has entirely obliterated their cherished sea views.
The controversial grey barrier, which fronts a newly built block of nine luxury flats on Tweedmouth Road, has sparked fury amongst residents who feel blindsided by the planning decision. The wall stands at nearly 8 feet tall, effectively acting as a visual blockade between the existing homes and the coast.
A Devastating Blow to Property Values
Residents are not just mourning the loss of a beautiful vista; they fear a catastrophic financial impact. One homeowner, who watched the wall go up brick by brick, revealed that a recent property valuation was slashed by a staggering £100,000 directly because of the obstructed view.
Another long-term resident, who invested in their home specifically for its panoramic coastal outlook, described the situation as a "complete and utter disgrace" and feels their "lifelong investment has been destroyed."
Questions Over Planning Permission
The core of the dispute hinges on the approved planning documents. Locals insist the initial plans approved by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council depicted traditional timber fencing or a slatted screen, which would have allowed some air and light to pass through.
Instead, they were presented with a solid, monolithic structure made of concrete blocks. The developers, however, maintain that the construction is fully compliant with the granted permission, leaving residents in a bitter standoff.
Council Response and Ongoing Battle
A BCP Council spokesperson confirmed the construction is "considered to be in accordance with the approved plans," but acknowledged that the case is now under active investigation due to the volume of complaints.
For the residents of Tweedmouth Road, the fight is far from over. They are now exploring all available options, hoping to force a change to the imposing structure that has forever altered the character of their neighbourhood and stolen their slice of the British seaside.
