A CONTROVERSIAL planning application for 68 flats on the site of a Boscombe sports centre has been withdrawn for "technical reasons".

Campaigners who have battled to save the David Lloyd centre in Knole Road are now hoping the difficulties could permanently scupper the plans for three blocks of flats up to five storeys high on the site.

Kings Oak Homes sparked heated debate in the area when they applied for permission and the plans attracted a 1,000 signature petition which was presented to Bournemouth council by local people.

Opponents said sports facilities are vital for the area and that it would constitute over-development of the site.

They said such a high number of flats would cause over-crowding problems and that the local infrastructure would be unable to cope.

Agents for the developers said they are examining a number of technical difficulties but plan to re-submit the application at a later date.

One of the issues is believed to concern government guidelines, which suggest a needs assessment should be carried out to show that an indoor sports and leisure facility is no longer needed in the Boscombe area.

Bournemouth MPs Tobias Ellwood and Sir John Butterfill have thrown their weight behind the campaign to keep a sports centre on the site.

And local councillor Chris Wakefield has described the development as "totally inappropriate when we are encouraging people to lead more active lives".