PLANS to build 208 flats on a Bournemouth car park look set to be given the go-ahead.

Redrow Homes' proposals to build three separate blocks of flats on Terrace Mount car park, along with a restaurant and shops, will go before the planning board on Thursday.

And whereas the developer's original plan to create a landmark zinc tower was roundly criticised, this second attempt is being recommended for approval, subject to a highway assessment.

In a report to councillors, planning officer Stephen Davies said: "It is fair to say that some will think that the excitement of the original concept has been lost but that is not to say that the current scheme is less desirable."

The three blocks range from four to 11 storeys high and will house one studio flat, 27 one-bedroom flats, 145 two-bedroom flats, 27 three-bedroom flats, two duplexes and six penthouses.

There will be a 150-space underground public car park and a 205-space private car park for the people living there.

The buildings will have a modern design, with zinc panelling on part of the window sections and on the flank walls of some of the blocks.

The plans have been met with a mixed response. The Garden History Society said the reduction in height meant the impact on Bournemouth Gardens was acceptable while the Dorset Gardens Trust still consider the proposals over-dominant.

And the Civic Society has expressed concern that the design is too modern and the buildings too high.

But Mr Davies said the flats would be built with appropriate materials to ensure it fitted in with the town's art deco style. "This is very much seaside architecture," he said.

A spokesperson for Redrow said: "We're delighted that our application has progressed to this stage. There has been extensive consultation over this scheme to ensure that it is a fitting landmark for the location."