MEMBERS of the BCP Council planning committee are being recommended to reject plans to demolish a home and replace it with a block of flats.

Developer Clarendon Homes say its plans for a three-storey building of eight flats have been “carefully designed” to respect the character of the Clarendon Road area.

But a report to councillors describes the scheme as “very similar” to one for the site which was refused last year.

Twenty-one people living nearby to the site have submitted letters of objection and council planning, heritage and tree officers have all opposed the scheme.

Last year, Bournemouth council refused to grant planning permission for a similar proposal, raising concerns about the loss of the original building and its “overly large” replacement.

New plans were submitted in February for the block of seven two-bedroom and one one-bedroom flats.

A statement submitted with its application says: "The proposed development is, in all respects, compatible with the surroundings."

But concerns have been raised about the impact of demolishing the existing home.

Strath Davis, who lives in the adjoining Portarlington Road, said: “To construct a block of flats in this location would necessitate the destruction of certain trees and open space which is precisely why we choose to live here and pay high rents and council tax.

“We do not wish to see the character of our community altered from this lovely house to an ugly block of flats.”

Despite opposition from council officers and members of the public, the application will be considered by councillors at their meeting on Thursday (June 27) after former Bournemouth councillor Rae Stollard said she disagreed with detractors of the proposal.

Despite this, members of the planning committee are being recommended to refuse planning permission in a report published ahead of its meeting on Thursday.

“The proposal provides residential development in a sustainable location and the eight flats would contribute towards local housing supply,” it says.

“The size of the proposed flats and living conditions are considered acceptable except where compromised by close proximities to boundaries and trees.

“However, the principle concern is the loss of the existing, positively-contributing dwelling and the fact the replacement development would be overly large and weaker in design terms.”