RESIDENTS in Mudeford have raised concerns over a potential development to turn a dilapidated hotel into luxury houses.

A scheme to build seven courtyard houses on the site of the Waterford Lodge Hotel in Mudeford has been submitted after the 18-bedroom hotel went into administration last year.

Planners said a consultation event in March saw an “overwhelmingly positive” reaction from local people to the proposal, which had caused a “nuisance” to neighbouring properties.

As well as the hotel, the site includes the freehold responsibility for eight flats accommodating older residents over the age of 65, which is represented by their own company.

And Richard Pitman, director of the Waterford Lodge Christchurch Ltd, who oversees the eight flats on the site, also welcomed the plans saying he didn’t know anyone who had spoken against it.

But some residents in Bure Close have objected to the pedestrian access into their street.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said they assumed the main motive for providing the access to Bure Close was to enhance the desirability of the new homes, “without consideration or caring about the effects to residents in the Close.”

They said the footfall from the new residents and the current eight homes would be “considerable”, with the proposed gate exiting immediately outside their house.

They also fear the access will disturb the peace and quiet of the close.

In the application, the planners say a key pad will be fitted to the gate for pedestrians and double gates on the entrance from Bure Lane to ensure the site is only accessible by occupiers.

Christchurch council has so far received six objections and six letters of support for the application.

Mudeford and Friars Cliff ward councillor Mike Duckworth said no-one has contacted him with any concerns.

“I can understand that some of the people are going to be unhappy about it but as far as the residents in the existing flats are concerned, they are delighted it is happening,” he said.

“I think the place is too small to be a commercial hotel in this day and age, the same with a care home.”