THIS is the first glimpse of what a 13-storey landmark tower – potentially the joint highest in Poole – could look like if plans before the council get the go-ahead.

The striking structure is part of a proposal for West Quay Road, a prominent waterside site overlooking Holes Bay. It could be as tall as Poole’s current highest building – the 13-storey ASDA tower.

Owner Salterns Marina Ltd has made the application with the aim of creating “a world class landmark development,” according to the planning documents.

But the application has already drawn criticism about the height and number of units.

The site at 27 to 31 West Quay Road would be razed to make way for the mixed use development comprising 64 flats, a ground floor cafe and shop and a “sky restaurant” on the top two floors, as well as 40 underground car park spaces.

Though predominantly five-storey, the proposal includes a 13-storey “landmark tower” of “contemporary architectural design” drawing inspiration from “the reeds of Poole Harbour,” according to the planning statement.

Although the application has yet to go before planners, the number of flats proposed has already been revised down from 76.

Some residents and groups have objected to the height of the tower and the number of units, as well as the number of parking spaces.

Among them is The Vision for Poole Group, comprising the Society of Poole Men, Poole Old Town Conservation Group, Hamside Residents Association and Poole Campaign for the Protection of Rural England.

A letter to planners by chair Bill Constance called the proposal “out of character” and suggested it would have “a serious and negative impact on the delivery of a sustainable development for the larger area.”

Speaking to the Echo, he said: “At 13 storeys the tower is massively big – we believe it would be the joint highest in the town with the Asda tower.”

The application site is next door to the RNLI training college, close to the Old Town Conservation area and part of Poole’s regeneration area.

It is currently occupied by a Volvo Penta marine parts centre, fronting West Quay Road, and a boat repairs’ workshop to the rear, accessed from Whittles Way.