THE decision on a 208 flat development on a prime site in Bournemouth town centre has been deferred until next year.

Officers had recommended that the scale and design of the development on Terrace Mount car park should be approved but planning board members were concerned about the largest of the three blocks.

Chairman of the planning board Cllr John Beesley described the largest of the blocks as "bleak, stark and dominant".

Other members of the planning board were keen to see examples of the materials that will be used in Redrow's development.

Deputy chairman of the board Ron Whittaker raised issues of the drainage and sewerage and requested the developer ask Wessex Water to do some surveys.

The board also heard a representation from Barbara Petti, who lives facing the site in Tregonwell Road.

Mrs Petti said: "The Victorian housing in this area is much admired by visitors and we do not consider the scale, height and design appropriate."

Planning policy officer for Bournemouth's Civic Society Ken Mantock also raised objections to the proposed development.

He said: "We believe the scheme would do great damage to the character of the town centre."

The managing director of architects Cube Design, Jane Locksmith, addressed the meeting and displayed a model of the proposed design which includes a studio, 27-one bedroom flats, 145 two-bedroom flats, 27 three-bedroom flats, two duplexes and six penthouses.

It has underground parking for 205 cars for residents and a 150 space public car park.

The plans do not include any affordable housing because cash paid to the council for the development will be used for arts provision in the borough.

The decision on the application will be taken in January next year when the board will have the results of the traffic survey so they can consider the implications of the new development on congestion.