Now second plan for flats at former Odeon site has been thrown out

A first scheme to demolish most of the former cinema and put up a 10-storey block containing shops and 84 flats was rejected last month.

Now a subsequent application for a 14-storey building with shops, 101 flats and 102 car park spaces has also been turned down by officers without even reaching councillors.

Planning officer Simon Gould wrote: “In my opinion the additional height, bulk, massing and overall scale of the proposed development, compared to the previously refused application, would only serve to exacerbate the previous reasons for refusal.

“The resultant building is considered to be of an incongruous scale that would have a negative impact on the amenities of the locality and nearby heritage assets.”

Mr Gould said Libra Homes’ proposal would harm not only the locally listed Odeon building but other assets including the locally listed Premier Inn, the former ice rink and the grade two listed Pavilion and Gardens.

He added: “It is considered that the proposed development in the manner shown would result in an unacceptable, unjustified and substantial loss of an existing locally listed building.”

Libra Homes’ plans had attracted 29 letters from objectors including Bournemouth Civic Society, the Cinema Theatre Association, Save Britain’s Heritage, the Theatres Society, and the Twentieth Century Society.

Objector Peter Lucas wrote: “If this application is approved, Bournemouth council will have fundamentally failed to meet its obligations in respect of local and national planning policy and will be a national joke.”

There was only one letter of support, from Bournemouth resident Alex Strange, who wrote: “It retains the existing frontage and the proposed tower block is in keeping with much of the recent development in Bournemouth. If this development goes ahead, I believe it will benefit the local economy.”

The 1929 building was left empty in February after Odeon opened a multiplex at the new BH2 leisure complex.