PLANS to install electric vehicle chargers at a Bournemouth site have been refused following concerns people will feel “unsafe” using them.

Instavolt sought planning permission to install eight rapid electric vehicle chargers at land north of Chapel Gate Roundabout.

The earmarked site was described as ‘undeveloped, with its location off a private access road leading to the Chapel Gate sports facility.

However, a planning officer raised issues with the proposed location.

In a planning report, the officer noted it was “isolated” and would “not lend itself to some potential users”, giving the example of “lone people feeling unsafe whilst waiting for a vehicle to charge”.

The officer continued: “Therefore, they are not likely to use it, unlike in a busier area where they could go shopping or to a cafeteria while they wait.”

A similar application by Instavolt to install chargers at a site just a short distance away was rejected by BCP Council in January last year, and was refused at appeal.

The planning officer said alternative brownfield sites do not seem to have been “considered or explored” since this.

They concluded: “Exceptional circumstances have not been provided for development in the green belt.”

BCP Council refused the planning application on February 28.