Revised Design Approved for Poole Harbour Property
A wealthy property owner has modified development plans for an £8.8 million waterfront estate in Dorset’s exclusive Sandbanks peninsula following multiple rejections of taller proposals. John and Deborah Yeoman will proceed with a four-storey residence after local authorities dismissed their previous applications for five and six-storey structures.
Neighborhood Tensions Over Skyline
The decision marks the culmination of a decade-long dispute between the Yeomans and their neighbor Jeremy Gardner, whose own four-storey modern home was completed in 2015. Records show the Yeomans previously objected to Mr. Gardner’s development, claiming it would ‘ruin the skyline’ of Elms Avenue.
The current proposal requires demolition of the couple’s 20-year-old luxury home overlooking Poole Harbour. Planning documents indicate the new structure will feature:
- Open-plan living spaces with dual kitchens
- Entertainment facilities including a home cinema and bar
- Swimming pool complex and private gym
- Five en-suite bedrooms across upper floors
- Expansive garage and boat storage
Community Response to Revised Plans
Neighbors have criticized the latest design as ‘bulky and oppressive,’ with Mr. Gardner stating: ‘The massive bulk extending toward the road and harbour remains oppressive. The upper balconies create overlooking issues and privacy concerns.’ His wife Iona Gardner added that the reduced height hasn’t addressed fundamental issues of scale and neighborhood character.
Local resident Michael Riley commented: ‘The proposal still fails to meet Poole Plan requirements and would detrimentally change the Elms Estate’s character.’
Planning Committee Assessment
Despite objections, planning officer Babatunde Aregbesola has recommended approval, stating the revised design shows ‘more sympathetic alignment with the street scene.’ The officer’s report notes the proposed structure matches neighboring heights while incorporating boundary screening to mitigate privacy concerns.
The Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council planning committee will make a final decision on Thursday. If approved, the development will join several recent high-value properties transforming the Sandbanks waterfront.
