PLANS to redevelop Poole's Quarterdeck Hotel site into a retirement complex have been lodged with the council.

Renaissance Retirement wants to demolish the existing building and the house next to it on the Civic Centre gyratory, then build 27 one and two-bedroomed apartments.

A recent public exhibition held at Parkstone United Reformed Church, Commercial Road - which included artist impressions of the finished complex - was attended by 45 people.

Renaissance says, following this consultation, further revisions have been carried out to the proposed rear elevation of the flats - in a bid to avoid loss of privacy to neighbours in Copse Close.

Renaissance Retirement associate planning director Simon McFarlane said: "We were pleased that local people took the opportunity to view the proposals and welcomed the positive feedback received.

"We are particularly pleased by the many favourable comments from people attending the exhibition who commented that they liked the traditional appearance of the design which reflects the arts and crafts style.

"Many considered the proposal to be a significant improvement over an earlier planning application submitted by Pegasus Life which was subsequently withdrawn."

An official planning application, including proposals for 28 underground parking spaces and landscaped gardens, has now been submitted to Borough of Poole's planning department. These will be determined at a later date.

Mr McFarlane said: "Judging by the large number of enquiries for our site as well as research conducted, there is still considerable need in Poole for independent senior living to provide for local elderly people looking to downsize.

"This also has the benefit of releasing under-occupied housing back onto the market suitable for families."