A UNIVERSITY has shelved plans for a new innovation studio following a backlash against the 60-week road closure required for its construction.

Despite being likened to an “upturned jelly mould” and a “schizophrenic broken jigsaw”, Poole council approved plans for the Arts University Bournemouth centre in 2017.

Described as an “incubation facility”, the Talbot Village studio would provide a base for new digital and creative businesses.

Construction was due to begin in March it but shortly before it was announced that Fern Barrow would have to be closed for 60 weeks, prompting criticism from residents, councillors and MP Conor Burns.

They said the move would have a “major effect” on people living in the area and warned that the alternative use of Gillett Road could put vulnerable residents at risk.

As a result, a new application has now been submitted for a “simpler” building which, the university says, will not need any road closure.

A statement by architects Crab Studio, submitted with the application, says the new scheme responds to concerns.

“[The revised scheme] recognises concerns which were previously expressed regarding the angular nature of the building and issues regarding the practicalities of constructing the studio, including a potentially lengthy road closure,” it says.

“The revised proposal still achieves an innovative design reflecting the creative spirit and ambition of the university.

“The alternative approach now being proposed has a more simple construction methodology so will result in a shorter construction programme and less disruption along Fern Barrow road.”

Funding of “up to” £1.4 million was allocated by Dorset Local Enterprise ahead of the submission of the first scheme, and the organisation has said it will support the new application.

BCP Council ward councillors Philip Broadhead and Karen Rampton met with university representatives earlier this month to discuss the changes.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Cllr Broadhead said he welcomed the university's decision to put forward a new scheme.

“Since the last-minute announcement earlier this year we have had some very productive meetings with the university," he said.

“We met a few weeks ago and they showed us their new plans which are quite scaled back and importantly will require no closure of the road which I think is a big win for residents.

“Understandably the arts university wants to – and is – expanding and that’s encouraged but it can’t be to the detriment of residents.”

He said he would support the new application and council planning officers are due to consider it in the coming weeks.