PLANNING chiefs have backed controversial proposals to demolish a house in Canford Cliffs in order to build nine flats.

Neighbours of the site in Martello Road, South contacted the council to complain about the scheme.

They argued it would impact road safety, affect privacy and harm the appearance of the area.

However, the planning board - which convened at Poole Civic Centre - decided to back the proposals.

Borough of Poole (BOP) planning board chairman Cllr Peter Pawlowski explained: "This was an outline application so the principal considerations were the suitability for flats and any possible impact upon neighbours.

"The committee supported the application and will look forward to see the detail of the proposal in due course."

Neighbour Gwyndra Jenkins, who contacted the council to oppose the plans, said the flats would spell loss of light at her property.

She also said: "There is not enough parking at ours or the flats opposite, so we and visitors have to park in the road."

Meanwhile, Paul and Yolanda Griffiths, of Martello Road South, said: "We accept that over the years housing needs change and in Canford Cliffs, particularly, most of the new developments have been sympathetic to the area itself.

"However, there are many partially unoccupied and empty flats and there must come a time when developments of this kind do not address the real housing needs of the population and the local economy."

The Griffiths suggested a smaller development of two or three houses on the site would have been better.