A DEVELOPER wants to extend a town centre block to create HMO accommodation for more than 30 students.

Poole-based Park Place Properties plans to build an extra floor on the block at 15 Wootton Gardens in Bournemouth, which is actually accessed via Glen Fern Road.

Currently the building, just off Old Christchurch Road, is home to nine flats.

However, the developer wants to create eight house in multiple occupation (HMO) units, despite the site having no parking.

"The proposal comprises eight self-contained student units," a planning statement says.

"The student units are to be let through Bournemouth University lettings service and managed by Park Place Properties Ltd."

According to the application, the lack of parking should be considered acceptable by council officers since the students will use "sustainable" forms of transport, including the area's many bus links.

Cycle storage is also provided.

In total, the scheme would see six four-bed HMO units and two three-bed units created, with a separate studio flat.

The developer says it already has planning permission for three three-bed and three four-bed HMO units.

A statement by Chapman Lily Planning consultancy says: "The proposal will make an efficient use of the brownfield site to provide eight new HMOs in this highly sustainable location,"

The firm says the addition of new HMOs still comes within the threshold maximum for this type of property established in BCP Council's planning regulations, according to its own survey.

The scheme, which has no public comments, will be considered by council planning officers in due course.