BOURNEMOUTH council will press for the best possible deal as it seeks to build around 100 flats on a town centre car park, residents have been assured.

The proposals to build homes and a small multi-storey car park on Berry Court car park were unanimously approved by cabinet on Wednesday.

Council leader John Beesley said the Bournemouth Development Company – a partnership between the council and Morgan Sindall – would now “negotiate the very best deal they can get” on the prime site.

“One of the things that was emphasised was the need to press for even better value for money,” he said.

It is proposed the homes will be offered for rent to private tenants to improve the quality of the private rental sector and meet a demand from people saving towards a mortgage or who do not wish to commit to buying a home.

Cllr Beesley said: “The market we are aiming for will demand that quality, the locality demands that quality and our financial projections do as well.”

The plans are part of the town centre master vision.