CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a block of three flats in Christchurch are set to be approved next week.

Despite dozens of people objecting to the redevelopment of the bungalow at 74 The Grove, a report recommends that permission for the scheme be granted.

Members of the BCP Council planning committee will consider the application at a meeting on Thursday (August 8).

Concerns have been raised by the neighbours that the new building would be “substantially” out of character for the area.

Kirsten English, who lives next door to the site, said: “All the properties from Stour Way to Fairmile Road are single unit homes, either bungalows or houses.

“Anything less than a house or bungalow will change the nature of the area.

“This has already happened from Stour Way to Barrack Road… we are very keen to ensure this does not continue any further along the road.”

Thirty-one other people have written in opposition to the application, prompting it to be considered by councillors.

Despite this, a report by planning officer Kevin Chilvers, published ahead of the Thursday meeting, recommends that the development be given the go-ahead.

“The Grove contains a variety of dwelling sizes and types and a building of two-storey scale with accommodation in the roof would not appear incongruous,” it says.

“The proposed building would be read against the adjacent dwelling which is a large two-storey house… the proposed development replicates the general proportions of this neighbour.”

A final decision will be made at the meeting of the council’s planning committee in Christchurch on Thursday.

Councillors will also consider plans to build a two-storey office block behind the nearby 83 The Grove at the meeting.

It was called-in for a decision by Cllr Margaret Phipps who said the scheme was “overdevelopment” and that the design of the new building was “totally out of keeping” with the rest of the area.