Sandbanks View
New Apartments on Prominent Coastal Site
DMW Architects are delighted that planning consent has been granted by BCP Council for a distinctive collection of six new homes in one of Poole’s most coveted coastal locations, just metres from Sandbanks beach.
Project Director: Derek Williams
Project Lead: Megan Mercer
Client: Bracken Group
Planning Consultant: CL Planning
Occupying a secluded position at the end of a private road, the scheme is arranged around an intimate landscaped courtyard. The development comprises five contemporary townhouses alongside a detached 2.5-storey residence, all benefitting from a sheltered car barn that encloses the courtyard and provides covered parking for every home.
The architecture has been shaped by the site’s unique topography and coastal views. First-floor living spaces capture long vistas to the sea, while private rear gardens step into the rising landscape, offering level outdoor amenity despite the sloping site. The result is a design that embraces the schemes coastal location whilst also providing sheltered, private residential retreats.
When DMW Architects were appointed, the site had been navigating the planning system for over two years without resolution. Bringing a fresh perspective, the team reconfigured the layout, refining both spatial arrangement and visual massing to create a proposal that resonated with planners and the local context. Following a positive pre-application meeting, the application progressed smoothly, achieving approval under delegated powers.
As with many complex coastal sites, visualisation was key. DMW’s detailed 3D models and diagrams played a pivotal role in communicating the spatial experience to the planning office, capturing nuances that conventional 2D drawings could not.
The project has been developed with valuable input from CL Planning (Giles Moir), Barrell Tree Care, and BE Willis. Together, the team has unlocked the potential of a challenging yet exceptional site.