NEW plans to redevelop a former coastguard complex in Christchurch have been submitted to BCP Council.

Pennyfarthing Homes recently bought the Steamer Point site from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) with the intention of overseeing its redevelopment.

It has now submitted a planning application to build a mix of 29 flats on the seafront land, describing it as “a fantastic opportunity”.

In 2014, the MCA had a 35-home scheme for the site rejected.

A year later, it won permission to build 26 homes at an appeal, after Christchurch council had twice refused the development due to the concerns of people living nearby.

Fears were raised about whether the cliff was stable enough for the residential redevelopment and the impact it would have on the safety of traffic.

Now new plans have been put forward including the construction of a block of 17 flats which, the developer says, will reduce the overall amount of the land which is built on.

Alongside the flats, 12 houses will be built with 88 parking spaces provided in total.

It said the mix of houses and flats would allow it to concentrate development closer to the seafront, increasing the gap between homes in Freshwater Avenue.

Speaking earlier this year, the firm’s director Ben Arnold said: “Our proposal represents a fantastic opportunity to regenerate a vacant, brownfield site which has been run down for a number of years.

“This is a prime location for residential development and we are seeking to create a landmark scheme for Christchurch which meets the exemplary design and construction standards that we have built our reputation on.”

It held a public exhibition showing off its new proposals to people living in the surrounding area in June.

The planning application reveals plans to make improvements to the site access through the replacement and realignment of Penny Way.

BCP Council planning officers will consider the scheme in the coming weeks.