ALTERED plans to build two blocks of flats on a Bournemouth town centre car park go before councillors next week.

The scheme, for the St Stephens Road car park, comprises two blocks of seven and six storeys, with 46 flats but only 36 parking spaces.

It has been proposed by the Bournemouth Development Company (BDC) - a partnership between the borough council and Morgan Sindall Investments.

The application will be discussed at a planning board meeting on Monday, where issues including parking, the impact on the neighbouring Grade I Listed St Stephen's Church, road safety and bank stability will be considered. It is recommended for approval by officers.

Commenting on the application, John Green, crime prevention and design advisor for Dorset Police, said the open plan parking proposed "will attract rough sleepers" and the number of spaces - back when 49 were originally proposed - "will cause problems".

"I did not see where the developer thinks that those people who use this site at present are to be displaced to," he added.

"Most of the spaces nearby are not available during office hours which is the peak usage time. Richmond Hill is the nearest pay and display."

Officers say the number of spaces is acceptable.

BDC has proposed to provide traffic calming measures in St Stephen's Way to allow the speed limit to be reduced to 20mph, after concerns were raised by the council transport officer.

The site, according to the officer's report, will also require work to shore up the bank on which it is situated, as the retaining wall is "currently failing".

Historic England said the scheme would "cause a degree of harm" to the setting of the church, but this would be "less than substantial".

Officers said alterations had been made, including the reduction in height of one block and "better tree management" to mitigate against this.

The plans would see 12 trees removed, but 50 new trees would be planted, all subject to preservation orders.

The development would include 13 one bedroom flats, 31 two bedroom flats and two three bedroom flats, with 52 cycle parking spaces - six for visitors.

It is one of several ongoing BDC developments on council-owned sites, which include a 44-flat proposal for the Durley Chine car park in West Cliff.