THERE is confusion over the role of Bournemouth council leader John Beesley in a controversial planning development.

Poole residents have raised concerns over the construction of the Esprit retirement complex on the former Keel House site in High Street North after reports of debris falling onto cars.

In a letter to residents, Poole councillor Philip Eades said he had contacted Cllr Beesley, “one of the private developers of this site”, about the concerns.

Mr Beesley responded by email addressing these concerns and refuting allegations of unsafe working practices. His response, he said, was “not within my capacity as a councillor but rather in my private capacity”.

However, the basis of his response on behalf of developer Quantum Group has been called unclear, as he says he has only a minimal role with the firm.

Cllr Eades said: “By addressing the issues I raised surely he is accepting responsibility? He is not saying my client - he is saying we have done etc.”

Cllr Beesley has carried out ad hoc work for Quantum as a hospitality consultant, and is an unpaid non-executive director for Platinum Skies Living - set up to run the firm’s properties.

When asked by the Daily Echo why he had responded on behalf of Quantum, Mr Beesley said: “I responded in order to help and didn’t really consider in which role I was doing it. As soon as I received the email from Cllr Eades, and ignoring its tone, I got in touch with the company so that I could provide the answers quickly for him to forward to the residents. That’s just how I work in private as well as separately as a councillor.”

He said he had no “particular knowledge” of the building’s construction before seeking answers to respond to Cllr Eades.

“I certainly don’t have particular knowledge of the construction matters relating to Keel House other than what I have learnt on behalf of Cllr Eades in the past week.”

Quantum Group head of marketing Suzanne Wright said: “John Beesley has no involvement with Keel House. The property is owned by the Keel House LLP, which is a partnership managed by Quantum.

“John is an unpaid non-executive director for Platinum Skies Living Ltd, a Registered Social Landlord which it is proposed will buy properties from the Quantum partnership and provide affordable housing services for older people through a shared ownership scheme.”