A KEY Bournemouth town centre site is now for sale - two years after planning permission was granted to turn it into flats and shops.

The site of the former Punshon Church in Exeter Road is currently in use as a Britannia car park.

The historic site has full planning consent for 85 apartments and two commercial units.

This was granted in 2020, following two previous applications in 2015 and 2017.

Read more: Flats plans for former Bournemouth church site are finally approved on third bid

The church in Exeter Road was demolished in 2015 after it was sold for redevelopment due to concerns about the cost of its maintenance.

Bournemouth Echo: CGI of what flats at site could look like. Image from SavillsCGI of what flats at site could look like. Image from Savills

In December 2018 The Mast submitted its latest set of plans for the site, including a reduction in the number of flats to 85 and an increase in the number of parking spaces from 15 to 66.

Read more: Private parking firm bids to extend 'temporary' car park on town centre site

A spokesperson for Savills, who are marketing the site, said: "Located within walking distance from the seafront, it is expected to attract significant interest from developers – with an opportunity to redesign the consented scheme.

"Existing planning permission for the site, which was granted in June 2020, allows for the erection of a building ranging in height between one to seven storeys, comprising two ground floor commercial units with 85 apartments and lower ground floor parking for 66 spaces, as well as associated bin and cycle stores."

The agency said 'significant interest is expected'.

Bournemouth Echo:

Luke Tubbs, a chartered surveyor in the Savills south Ccast development team who are handling the sale, said: “The availability of this historic former church presents a unique development opportunity which can have a lasting, positive impact on the Bournemouth landscape.

"With excellent connectivity to surrounding areas and in such close proximity to the seafront, we are anticipating a substantial level of interest in this site.”

Earlier this year, Britannia Parking applied for permission to continue using the land as a temporary car park.

Several residents filed objections, stating they feel the site is unsafe and unsightly.

A comment submitted on behalf of the management company of Exeter Park Mansions, a block of flats adjacent to the car park, said: "The unsurfaced and unregulated car park is inherently unsafe and unsightly. We strongly object to this permission being granted."

A decision has not been made as yet.