PLANS for a 13-storey block of 100 flats is set to be approved despite the scheme creating a “significant change” to the character of the area.

Bayview Developments South Ltd is planning to buy the former highway depot site in Cambridge Road from BCP Council and carry out the major residential scheme.

The proposals have been recommended for approval by officers ahead of a council planning committee meeting on Thursday, June 16.

Case officer Tom Hubbard’s report said: “The proposal is a high density and tall scheme, up to 13 storeys in height, which is a significant change to the character of the area in the immediate locality.

“However, there is justification in the form of the standalone nature of the site with no directly adjoining neighbours and the gateway location of the site adjacent to the A338 and Bournemouth West Roundabout.

“It is a bold development that will alter the character of the area, but it is not considered that this will be a negative change and will continue the trend for higher density development along the Wessex Way corridor.”

The site was previously home to Summerhayes Hotel until it was demolished in the late 1980s or early 1990s. It was then used as a temporary car park before becoming a storage area for highway materials and equipment until 2016.

The land has been vacant for the past six years and BCP Council intends to sell it to Bayview Developments South.

Mr Hubbard’s report said the terms of the sale of the land include the requirement for a £2million contribution towards affordable housing, which will be secured through a legal agreement.

He said this represented a “benefit of the scheme”, however, it was not yet known whether the flats would be sold or rented.

Some concerns have been raised by the council’s urban design officer and heritage team.

Five objections from residents have been submitted, referencing issues relating to the heigh of the development and loss of light.

A response from Bournemouth Civic Society said: “The Society thinks that what is proposed is a very modernist concept for adjacent neighbourhoods which still exhibit a considerable traditionalist, architecture ambience.

“The choice of such a design can be justified if what is constructed is seen as the missing section of a wider, extended architectural concept right across central Bournemouth.

“This would consist of the following three inter-related complexes: the collection high rise offices and flat blocks around Richmond Hill; the new flats blocks that could be erected at Cambridge Road and the other office developments erected at County Gates, in Poole.

“However, the proposals could still create considerable aesthetic disruption in respect to the relatively adjacent historic areas along Norwich Road West, Suffolk Road and Crescent Road.”