A PLANNING application has been submitted to demolish a prominent Poole hardware store, replacing it with retail space and 27 new apartments.

Owners of the In-Excess store, Ashley Road, Poole, have submitted the relevant paperwork to BCP Council, who are yet to determine the proposal.

Some neighbours have objected to the scheme, arguing the development is too tall, will create additional strain on already congested parking and represents the loss of an important local store.

Meanwhile, ward councillor Millie Earl has said she will 'call-in' the development, meaning it will go to planning committee for discussion and eventual decision.

Cllr Earl said: "My first thoughts though - I'm not against development.

"We all know Ashley Road is in serious need of regeneration and many local families are struggling to access housing.

"But concerns about parking, over-development, density, look and feel need to be carefully considered which is why it should be taken to committee to decide.

"Planning committee is made up of councillors who will look at the the application and make a decision, rather than it being up to the planning officer.

"Residents have the right to get together and speak at committee to represent their views, as does the developer and I do too as a ward councillor."

The councillor says she also understands that In-Excess will continue to occupy the site – at one of the new retail units proposed for the ground floor – or at another location nearby.

In Excess sits at the junction of Jubilee and Ashley Road, Parkstone.

The developers want to demolish the existing building, constructing a four-storey building in its place.

It will include 27 apartments and a private courtyard. A retail unit will remain on the ground floor.

A planning, design and access statement, prepared by Chapman Lily Planning Ltd on behalf of In-Excess, concluded: "The proposal presents a sustainable form of development, contributing to the economic,

social and environmental wellbeing of the Borough of Poole."

Parkstone campaigner Jeff Williams said: "Many of us are very sorry indeed to see there are planning proposals with BCP council to demolish In-Excess outlet building, in central Ashley Road, and put in a block of flats.

"Such a hugely valuable outlet this has certainly come as a shock.

"Every day the store is busy.

"So many home projects taken on as we have a first rate builders' merchant in our high street. If this all happens the store is going to be very sorely missed.

"And for Ashley with the knock-on effect of one less major store drawing in shoppers."

But Mr Williams added: "For this proposed development there is precedence with the development in Ashley Road on the corner with Victoria Road – a vast improvement on what was there before.

"And a first rate development at Sea View with a new Coop with flats above – again a vast improvement.

"So on balance I think this is a welcome development.

"There are issues with housing density and the size of flats, loss of the largest part of ground floor retail, and who will manage the completed development.

"So my vote the whole of the ground floor should remain retail and hopefully In-Excess will take a unit and stay in Ashley.

"Or, take on half of the Coop retail area which will be available when Coop down-sizes to a convenience store."