A FORMER quayside cafe will be transformed into a 'landmark' building which could include a restaurant or shop as well as flats.

The proposal for Poole Quay includes the demolition of the existing building, which used to be Corkers cafe, which has been empty and falling into disrepair for a number of years.

It will be replaced with a new development - which includes a a five-storey tower facing the Quay and a two-storey building on the High Street.

It is the second time developers Acorn South have submitted plans for the site - after the first application was refused in August 2015.

The plans were originally refused due to the loss of tourist accommodation as Corkers, created in 1944 and thought to be one of the longest established restaurants in Poole, provided bed and breakfast accommodation.

It was claimed that the developers had not proved that the B&B aspect of the business was unviable.

However planning officers looking at the latest application said it would be "difficult to determine the viability" of the B&B accommodation as a standalone operation as all business operation".

The prominent site on the corner of the High Street is in the Town Centre Heritage conservation area.

It is currently unclear whether the ground floor of the building will be retained as a restaurant or used as a retail unit for a shop.

Nine one and two-bedroom apartments will be built over the other four storeys with the top floor recessed.

There have been dozens of objections to the plans mainly in relation to the height of the development in relation to the surrounding buildings.

Developers have taken comments from the public on board and the original application has been reduced in size from six-storeys to five.

Concerns were also raised about the fact there is zero parking provision planned for the development and the impact to the surrounding "historic environment".

Despite these objections Borough of Poole approved the plans at a meeting last week.

Planning committee chairman Peter Pawlowski said: “This is a key site in an historic area and it was heartening to see the applicants had responded to the challenge of providing a building that will enhance the Quay area.”