BCP Council agrees plan to sell beach car park to developers

BCP said the 316-space facility, which is about 100m (320ft) from Branksome Beach, had been "underused" for years

Councillors have voted to sell part of a seaside car park to build 72 homes.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council has agreed to dispose of the south section of Beach Road car park in Poole.

BCP said the 316-space facility, 100m (320ft) from Branksome Beach, was underused and many spaces were unusable due to landslips and tree roots.

Local people had opposed the plan, describing it as "short-sighted and damaging".

The car park had been earmarked for development since 2015.

A 2022 report recommended the sale of the south section for housing and the retention of the north section where the public parking facilities would be improved.

Residents say the Beach Road Car Park is "essential" to locals and visitors during peak times

Members of Branksome Park and Canford Cliffs Residents Association said the proposal would "negatively impact residents, visitors and the local economy".

Ahead of the vote, Canford Cliffs councillor May Haines said: "Many residents who live in the local area have experienced frustration of inconsiderate parking.

"The car park in Branksome Chine is now completely full most days, even during the day and in the evening, and Beach Road would be the natural overspill car park."

Council leader Vikki Slade said: "This site was deemed surplus many years ago. It has taken way too long to be delivered. I could have provided housing by now.

"It would deliver a significant financial contribution which would benefit the wider council."

Full council had been due to vote on the plan last week but the meeting overran and was adjourned until Tuesday.

Follow BBC South on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2240.