The BCP area is expected to see some major additions in 2026.
Lidl, Aidi and Marks and Spencer are some of the major supermarkets to submit redevelopment plans along side airport expansions, stadium improvements and new housing applications which are some of the top planning applications in 2025.
Nearly 5000 planning application were submitted to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council in the last year.
Here are 10 of the top applications this year:
Lidl set to demolish Westover Retail Park
Lidl’s application to redevelop Westover Retail Park on Wimborne Road was approved this year. The retailer’s first application was refused over concerns about congestion, parking pressures, and the lack of improvements to walking and cycling routes. A revised proposal was submitted in April 2025, again seeking full demolition of the retail park and construction of a new, modern Lidl store.
The council received 67 objection letters, many raising issues about the loss of existing shops and the impact on the nearby Winton Lidl.
Planning officers noted that several objections were not material to the type of application being considered. The scheme was approved in May 2025, clearing the way for demolition works scheduled to run for ten weeks from 26 October 2026 to 18 January 2027. Lidl says the new store will provide improved parking, modern facilities and a more efficient layout.
Marks & Spencer to replace former Homebase
A major redevelopment proposal was submitted in August 2025 to transform the former Homebase at Redlands, Poole Road, into a new M&S Foodhall. The plans include a large food store and a second bulky‑goods retail unit with its own entrance, creating a new retail destination on the site.
The application has attracted strong public interest, with 52 representations being made on the plans, 29 in support with one withholding support, five objections and a further 17 comments. Supporters say the scheme would bring a high‑quality retailer to the area, while objectors have raised concerns about traffic and the loss of the former DIY store.
Two additional applications were submitted in November for roof alterations and partial demolition, both still awaiting decisions. M&S has confirmed its existing stores will remain open. No decision date has been announced.
Aldi refused permission for Wallisdown Road store
Aldi’s plans for a new supermarket on Wallisdown Road were refused in May 2025 after highways officers warned the development would significantly worsen congestion at an already pressured junction.
The proposed access arrangements relied on vehicles turning directly into the service road without a dedicated right‑turn lane, a design the council said would create a “significant detrimental impact” on traffic flow. Officers raised concerns that cars waiting to turn could block the main carriageway, increasing the risk of collisions and causing queues to spill back toward the Boundary Road roundabout. They also noted that the surrounding network already experiences peak‑time delays, and the additional traffic generated by a new supermarket would likely intensify those issues.
Despite Aldi arguing that the store would provide local jobs and improved shopping choice, councillors agreed with the highways assessment and refused the application on safety and congestion grounds.
Ice rink planning decision still pending
Bournemouth Christmas Events submitted a full application for a temporary winter ice rink in the Lower Gardens, including two marquees, an alpine chalet and a games stall. The attraction would operate annually from November to January.
Council officers recommended refusal due to missing technical information, including biodiversity net‑gain details and the unauthorised removal of a cherry tree. The planning committee chose to defer the decision back to officers, instructing that the application must return to committee if refusal is still recommended. The applicant has been asked to supply additional environmental and operational details.
A decision still hasn’t been made on whether the council will be approving the planning permission or not.
Bournemouth Airport expansion approved
In August 2025, Bournemouth International Airport secured approval for a major expansion designed to modernise and streamline passenger operations. The plans include joining the arrivals and departures buildings to create a single terminal, four extensions to the terminal building, and a redesigned transport interchange delivered in two phases.
Airport operators say the expansion will improve passenger flow, increase capacity and support future route development. The approval follows several years of consultation and is expected to support local employment during construction and operation.
Adventure Wonderland redevelopment
The former Adventure Wonderland theme park, which closed in 2023, saw renewed activity in 2025 with multiple planning submissions aimed at bringing the site back into use. The latest plans form part of a wider redevelopment involving organisations such as Diverse Abilities, Merritown and Discovery Village.
Plans include a scaled‑back adventure park with family‑friendly attractions such as a maze, mini‑golf, go‑karting and outdoor play areas. The proposals follow rising operational costs that forced the original park to scale back in 2022 before closing entirely the following year. The redevelopment aims to revive the site as a mixed‑use leisure and community hub, with further applications expected in 2026.
AFC Bournemouth stadium plans progress
AFC Bournemouth’s long‑awaited stadium redevelopment moved forward significantly in late 2025. On November 26, BCP Council’s cabinet unanimously approved the heads of terms for two land leases in Kings Park, enabling the club to proceed with its expansion plans. Full council formally backed the lease transfer on December 9.
The redevelopment includes a new South Stand, corner infills, expanded North and East stands, and upgraded hospitality, media and fan‑zone facilities. A separate enabling‑works application submitted in September attracted strong public interest and is expected to go before committee in early 2026. The club aims to complete the first phase between football seasons to minimise disruption.
Poole Quay Hotel planning permission overturned
BCP Council overturned decision to approve the redevelopment plans for the former Quay Thistle Hotel planning permission. The original approval, granted in August 2023, allowed demolition of the hotel and construction of a 146‑bed hotel, 179 flats and two ground‑floor shops.
However, the developer failed to sign the required Section 106 agreement, worth more than £650,000 in community contributions, despite repeated reminders. The company had entered liquidation in 2024, leaving the legal agreement incomplete. As a result, councillors voted to refuse the application, meaning any future redevelopment will require a fresh submission.
117 new homes in Christchurch approved after appeal
A major housing scheme for the former gasworks site in Christchurch was approved following a successful appeal in March 2025. The Planning Inspectorate granted permission for 177 homes, including retirement apartments, affordable units and open‑market housing, along with commercial space and public open areas.
The inspector concluded that the development would make “full use of a large derelict brownfield site” and deliver much‑needed housing in a high‑demand area. The decision ends years of uncertainty over the future of the contaminated former industrial site, which has been vacant for decades.
Constitution Hill development
Plans for more than 100 affordable homes at Constitution Hill in Poole progressed in 2025 following the demolition of unsafe former college buildings. Demolition began in June 2024 and is expected to finish by the end of 2025.
BCP Council’s latest proposals, published in October 2025, outline 116 new homes, including a mix of one‑, two‑ and three‑bedroom properties, specialist accommodation, a children’s play area and improved woodland access. The scheme aims to address local housing need while enhancing the surrounding green space. A full planning application and funding strategy are expected to be considered in early 2026.
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