IT was a night of mixed fortunes for residents in a Southbourne street when civic planners refused permission for a block of flats on their doorstep.

Celebrations quickly turned sour when members of Bournemouth council's planning board went on to approve two blocks of maisonettes on a nearby site.

Their planning officers had urged the board to approve both developments on Castlemain Avenue despite almost 100 objections from local residents.

A deputation on their behalf described the three-storey block of four flats as "a congested development, totally out of character with the street scene."

But planning officer Barry Carse said the scheme had been modified, adding: "The flats are all a good size, well lit with no overlooking problems."

East Southbourne councillor Eddie Coope voiced concern over the loss of family homes in the area and across the borough.

West Southbourne councillor Allister Russell said: "I'm against the building of flats in Bournemouth; there are too many and it has got to come to a stop.

"Half of them are not being sold; the other half are being sold to people from London as second homes; they are no use to us in Bournemouth. Castlemain Avenue was once a very nice, tree lined road."

Cllr David Smith shared their sentiments and moved that the scheme should be refused. The move was carried by eight votes to one.

However, plans for two, two storey blocks of eight maisonettes won approval.

Cllr Russell objected again stressing that six parking spaces would be inadequate.

He said: "People have to live; they should come first. They don't want to live in small hutches."

Cllr Smith said: "I'm unhappy that a leafy suburban road is becoming flatsville."

A move to grant permission was carried by six votes to two.