Vivir Estates faces fresh opposition after submitting plans to build a two‑storey house on the last strip of green space in Southbourne, sparking accusations of broken promises, loss of sea views, and potential property devaluation among local homeowners.
A local uproar has intensified in the Southbourne district of Bournemouth after Vivir Estates , the developer behind a controversial luxury flat project, submitted a planning application to erect a two‑storey detached house on the last remaining strip of green space adjoining the site.
The original scheme, known as 180 Degrees South, consists of four blocks of luxury apartments - a total of 27 flats - and associated parking, built on the former Southbourne Crossroads council car park. When the towers were completed, they obscured the long‑standing sea views that had been a hallmark of the Poole Bay residential area, sparking anger among roughly one hundred homeowners who felt their property values and quality of life had been compromised.
Among the most vocal critics is Liz Bates, a mother of two whose home now looks out onto a newly proposed roof‑terrace on the tiny green parcel. Bates described the developer's actions as a betrayal of every promise made during the initial consultation process, calling the Vivir Estates director Eddie Fitzsimmons "greedy" and accusing him of adding insult to injury by seeking permission to build a detached house on the footpath that was originally earmarked as protected green space.
"He has gone against every word and promise he has told the local residents," Bates said, adding that the feelings in the community can only be described as "bitter hatred and anger". The proposed two‑storey dwelling would feature its own roof terrace with uninterrupted coastal views - a luxury that former residents claim has been unfairly snatched away. Other affected residents have echoed similar concerns.
Ian Smith argued that the green strip was "categorically stated in the original application" and now appears to be squeezed out for the sake of profit. Kathryn Samson questioned whether the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council had adequately considered the community's interests, noting that the council had originally sold the car park in 2017, later denied two planning applications, and only reversed its stance after a 2023 appeal supported by a planning inspector.
Despite objections from around 1,500 locals, the appeal succeeded, allowing the construction to proceed. A design and access statement submitted by Vivir Estates claims the additional house will "enhance the character and appearance of the area" and will not negatively affect neighbouring properties, while also helping to alleviate the local housing shortage.
However, estate agents have warned that the development could depress the values of nearby homes by up to £50,000, and some owners fear their properties may become unsellable. The controversy has also centred on a 20‑foot by 8‑foot concrete privacy wall erected last year to extend a roof terrace, which residents allege was built in breach of planning permission.
Bates labeled the developers' conduct as "pure arrogance" and warned that the wall appears to have been retroactively approved simply because it now exists. The dispute highlights a broader tension between private developers seeking profit and communities fighting to preserve their environment, views and property rights. The council's role remains under scrutiny. While the planning inspector's recommendation allowed the appeal to proceed, residents question whether the council will enforce stricter safeguards against further encroachment on the limited green space.
Community groups are now exploring legal avenues, including claims for compensation based on loss of views and privacy, and are urging local authorities to reconsider any future amendments to the plan. The outcome of this saga may set a precedent for how green spaces adjacent to high‑density developments are treated in the UK, balancing the need for new housing against the preservation of existing community assets.
The development, once completed, will consist of four blocks ranging from two to four storeys, the tallest rising directly opposite 24 existing properties. While Vivir Estates argues that the project addresses a regional housing shortage, the personal toll on residents like Bates, who sees her sea view permanently blocked and her property value eroded, underscores the human cost of such large‑scale urban projects.
The debate continues to unfold as planning officials, legal experts, and the local community await the council's final decision on the proposed two‑storey house and the contentious privacy wall.
Southbourne Vivir Estates Planning Dispute Green Space Sea View Loss
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