A BID to revitalise a derelict town centre site has won the approval of Bournemouth’s planning board.

Proposals to build 45 residential flats, eight holiday apartments and 49 basement car parking spaces at 32-34 Tregonwell Road were given the green light by councillors.

Council officers had recommended refusal, citing concerns over the fact just eight holiday flats were proposed.

But ward councillor Barry Goldbart argued the site was an eyesore and said small hoteliers situated opposite it were desperate to see it improved.

Planning board chairman Cllr David Kelsey said: “Tourism wanted 12 holiday flats and we’re only getting eight but we decided to act in the best interests of residents who have been looking at this derelict site for 12 years.

“If we’d insisted on extra holiday flats it was likely the site would just continue to stay empty.”