PLANS to turn derelict buildings in Christchurch into 10 contemporary coastal homes have been approved.

Pennyfarthing Homes now has planning permission to create the new homes on a 1.3-hectare site in a prominent clifftop location at the western edge of the Steamer Point Nature Reserve, complete with sea views.

Many mature trees on the site are protected by tree preservation orders, but the developer says the landscape-led design “celebrates the verdant setting.”

The scheme, designed by David James Architects, has positioned each home to make the most of the ocean vistas and existing greenery.

Measures have been taken to protect existing ecological features across the site, including minimising light spillage into an established bat corridor.

The properties will include four frontline homes that use an ‘upside-down house’ concept, with the living accommodation on the upper floors, to maximise the stunning views.

How the site currently looks Picture: Pennyfarthing Homes

An external staircase will connect the living spaces to the gardens, while the bedrooms occupy the ground floor.

A further six homes will be set back from the four frontline properties with more traditional layouts, orientated towards the view in between them.

Ben Arnold, Land and Planning Director at Pennyfarthing Homes, said: “We are delighted to have finally been given the go-ahead for this landmark development, redeveloping a derelict brownfield site to create an exclusive development of ten high-quality contemporary homes in a unique location.

“This makes Steamer Point one of the best development sites along the entire south Coast, bringing even greater excitement to our planning success.

“The granting of planning permission is testament to the incredibly high-quality designs of the homes and to the outstanding care that has been shown for the local natural environment.”

Construction of the Steamer Point homes is due to begin in autumn this year with completions expected in early 2027.