A RESIDENT who was offered £1 million by developers for his home has called the demolition of houses for flats "social vandalism".

Retired Roger Hook who lives in Durley Chine Road South is angry that structurally sound detached houses in the area are being demolished to build flats.

Mr Hook, 60, said: "Lovely houses with gardens are being pulled down for no other reason than profit.

"I think it is social vandalism. These houses have years of life in them and yet they are being demolished. It is a waste."

He is also upset that some agents working on behalf of developers turn up unsolicited and try to persuade people to sell their homes for development.

Mr Hook has lived in his four-bedroom house for more than 20 years and brought up his family there.

He said: "Agents working on behalf of a developer came around and offered me nearly £1million for the house which is a lot of money.

"Some of my neighbours have succumbed to their blandishments and plans have been submitted for the demolition of two houses to build flats."

He and others have registered objections to the planning application relating to number 17 and 19 on Durley Chine Road South.

Chairman of the planning board for Bournemouth Borough Council John Beesley said: "I am sure estate agents have always tried to persuade people to sell their homes but now the stakes are so high." He said the planning board would consider the character of the area when considering any planning application.