A PROMINENT seaside hotel in Bournemouth could finally be redeveloped at the fourth attempt.

The Studland Dene, Alum Chine, shut its doors last month after three planning applications to replace the hotel with flats were refused.

But a new application will go before the council's planning board on Monday and is being recommended for approval.

The application is to replace the former hotel with a four- and five-storey block of 16 holiday apartments and 14 residential flats. A striking four-storey glass atrium would form the entrance and reception area to the proposed holiday flats and there will also be a restaurant and basement parking.

Previous bids to demolish the hotel have been opposed by the council's head of tourism Mark Smith but this one has gained his seal of approval.

In a letter to councillors, he said: "The proposed development retains the tourism capacity of the current hotel in the form of modern self-catering units.

"The development also has the benefit of a large restaurant with panoramic views. This will be a popular facility for tourists using the property, residents and local guests."

A public inquiry into one of the earlier bids to redevelop the hotel is also ongoing and set to conclude next year.

If successful, this would give the owners the option of dropping the holiday flat element and redeveloping the site with 14 residential flats and a restaurant.