FEARS about Bournemouth town centre losing another car park to flats were dismissed by the developer as the council-backed proposals were unveiled.

The Bournemouth Development Company (BDC), a public-private partnership between the council and Morgan Sindall, displayed its plan to build 46 flats at Durley Road car park at an exhibition on Thursday.

As the plans stand, the current 119-space car park would make way for a six-storey block containing one, two and three bedroom apartments.

Morgan Sindall development manager Toby Marden told the Daily Echo that the lost public parking spaces would be re-provided elsewhere.

He also defended the number of suggested residential spaces, which complies with Bournemouth council’s planning policy.

“We have got to sell these, and if you get the parking wrong then people don’t buy,” said Mr Marden.

Mr Marden cited BDC’s completed 382-space Madeira Road car park built to compensate for the public spaces lost at Leyton Mount car park, which was developed into the Citrus Building.

He also pointed to the Berry Road car park, which BDC has been given permission to develop into a 113-flat complex and will include a 217-space multi-storey car park.

Mr Marden added that a “lot of analysis” had gone into the Durley Road project to “establish the footprint”.

“We want the building to sit discreetly behind trees,” said Mr Marden.

“What we really want to do is enhance the landscape, introduce more greenery, replace trees and perhaps add more.

“Our target market is first-time buyers and young professionals, people who might be retiring to the area or downsizing.”

Mr Marden said that he wants the public’s feedback prior to the final planning application being submitted.

The BDC has identified 16 sites owned by the borough to develop since forming in 2011.

As well as the completed Madeira Road and Leyton Mount projects, the company plans to build 400 flats with parking as well as shops, restaurants and an additional multi-storey car park at the Winter Gardens car park.

For more information about the Durley Road plans, email info@bournemouthdevelopmentcompany.com.