A 'greedy' developer whose view-blocking apartments harvested 'bitter hatred' from locals has caused further distress over plans to build on the remaining 'tiny bit' of green space. The construction of 27 luxury flats, consisting of four apartment blocks with associated parking, has destroyed the panorama of Poole Bay flat-owners previously enjoyed in the affluent Southbourne area of Bournemouth, Dorset.
Developer Accused of Breaking Promises
Development company Vivir Estates is now going against its alleged pledge to residents to protect some green space by building a two-storey detached house, with claims its director Eddie Fitzsimmons is 'adding insult to injury'. Liz Bates is among dozens of homeowners who lost their sea views to the substantial development, causing her to accuse the developer of 'going against every word and promise he has told local residents'.
The mother-of-two called Mr Fitzsimmons 'greedy' for applying for a planning application on green space, which is seen in the map of the building plans, 'on the footpath right outside [her] house'. However the brazen move did not come as a shock to Mrs Bates, who 'fully expected him to stoop this low' by developing on 'the only tiny bit of green space for the whole development'.
Mrs Bates added: 'He has gone against every word and promise he has told the local residents and the only way to describe the feeling between us all is bitter hatred and anger towards him. He has quite simply ruined the lives of around 100 residents, without a single care for anyone.'
Uninterrupted Views for New Home, Not Existing Residents
The two-storey home would have its own roof terrace with an uninterrupted view looking out towards the coast, which is a luxury that has been snatched away from current residents. If the amendments to the plans go ahead, other objectors cited 'grounds for compensation' for 'further restricting their views and privacy'.
Fellow resident Ian Smith said the green space was 'categorically stated in the original application', yet described the wish of developers to 'squeeze another property into too small a space' as being done in efforts to increase profits. While Kathryn Samson questioned the local authority's potential position. She said: 'Not only has this development been allowed to carry on under some very questionable circumstances but now the developer is waiting to obstruct yet another area for the surrounding residents by building yet another property.'
This led Ms Samson to ask: 'Has the council taken any consideration for the local community?'
Background of the Development
The two and four-storey blocks of flats, named 180 Degrees South, are being built on a former council car park Southbourne Crossroads in front of 24 existing properties. Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) put the car park up for sale in 2017 when it was no longer deemed needed, however went back on their decision and denied two planning applications for the site.
The local authority was overruled in 2023 after Vivir Estates launched an appeal and a planning inspector supported them. This decision came despite objections by 1,500 locals, including Mrs Bates. Pure Town Planning, in the design and access statement submitted on behalf of Vivir Estates for the added house, said it would 'enhance the character and appearance of the area'. The report also states the proposal would not negatively impact neighbouring properties and would help ease the local housing shortage.
Impact on Property Values and Privacy
It was previously estimated by estate agents the development could reduce house prices of the affected properties by up to £50,000, with warnings selling a home may not even be feasible due to the reduction in value. It appeared early on that while many of her neighbours' sea views had been blocked by the apartment buildings, Mrs Bates still had an outlook onto the coastal landscape. But that was lost after the 20ft by 8ft concrete wall was added to extend a new roof terrace, which was being built between her home and the sea.
She claimed last year the privacy wall, which stops anyone looking onto the neighbouring terrace garden in front, has been erected in breach of planning permission. Mrs Bates accused developers Vivir Estates of behaving with 'pure arrogance' and said they believe they can get the wall approved now it is there. This forced the property inspector to consider selling her home of 10 years over fears her own privacy would be permanently affected once people move into the new flats because they will be able to see straight into her home.
Pure Town Planning, on behalf of Vivir Estates, declined to comment. BCP has been contacted for comment.
