Affordable housing specialist, AJC Group, has submitted a planning application for the redevelopment of the former NHS Becton Centre in Barton-on-Sea, Hampshire.
The application proposes the demolition of the existing building and redevelopment of the site to create an architecturally-designed building incorporating 31 contemporary apartments.
The 0.35ha (0.86-acre) brownfield site is located just off the seafront and on the western edge of the New Forest District Council conurbation.
AJC Group’s full planning application for the redevelopment of the site has been prepared by RTPI-accredited L Planning. A collection of high EPC-rated one- to three-bedroom apartments is proposed, designed by ARC Architects.
The site is in a sustainable location, being well-positioned to access town and local centres, including the nearby shops, services, and public transport facilities of Barton-on-Sea. It is within walking distance of several local amenities and bus stops offering regular services. Only a mile away is New Milton town centre, which has a train station providing access to the national rail network and is on the main line between London and Weymouth.
David Cracklen, director of AJC Group, said: “We are very pleased to have acquired this well-known former hospital site, having now submitted a planning application detailing our proposals. This is our third project in Hampshire, and with the site being so close to the New Forest, we have taken great care in designing an energy-efficient development that will complement and enhance the area. Redeveloping the vacant Becton Centre will create much-needed new homes for local people in a beautiful location. We are looking forward to working with New Forest District Council and all stakeholders while our application is considered.”
The design for the 31 apartments is split across three storeys and incorporates 38 external car parking spaces, with one of them being a car club parking space. There is also space for 46 bikes, along with three electric charging points and eight visitor cycle spaces. Most of the apartment designs benefit from private balconies, while communal landscaped gardens to the rear of the building would be accessible by all future residents.
AJC Group is on track to deliver over 200 mixed-tenure homes during 2023, reflecting a total construction value in excess of £100million and currently has six sites currently under construction. The firm has also recently started construction at one of its largest projects, which will deliver 57 affordable houses and apartments for Aster Group within the former Dorchester Brewery regeneration scheme.
