A PROPOSAL to demolish a large building near Sandbanks and build a five-storey block of flats with views of Poole Harbour has been refused – almost five years after initial plans were submitted.

Applicants Michael Jeffries and Edward Garrett sought permission to carry out the residential redevelopment of The White House at 326 Sandbanks Road, Lilliput.

The planning application was submitted back in July 2017 before it was amended six times to attempt to address issues relating to design, neighbourhood amenity, highways, waste and flood risk.

However, these changes failed to sway the mind of BCP Council planning officers, who rejected the scheme under delegated powers.

A report by case officer Steve Llewellyn said: “The proposal would be harmful to prevailing pattern of development and the character and appearance of the area.

“It would be materially harmful to the amenities of the neighbouring properties.

“The proposal would result in poor quality living conditions for the prospective occupiers of the new dwelling.”

The plan would have seen two seven-bed flats and five four bed-flats provided across five floors, with each of them containing a balcony looking out over Poole Harbour and towards Brownsea Island.

Twenty-nine comments of objecting to the application were submitted to the council over the various consultation periods.

Dorset Lake Residents Association, which includes residents from Sandbanks to Canford Cliffs, was “strongly” opposed to the scheme on grounds it was contrary to the current Poole Local Plan.

Ward councillor May Haines also objected and had called the scheme in to the committee if it was not refused by officers.

She said the height, bulk and massing of the plan was at odds with the immediate area, the visual impact from the shoreline would be at odds with the rhythm of development along the stretch of coastline and the application did not preserve or enhance the shoreline character of Poole Harbour.

Mr Llewellyn’s report added: “The proposal fails to protect the privacy of the neighbouring occupiers due to inappropriate window positioning and terrace design and would result in an overbearing and oppressive experience by reason of bulk, mass and scale.”