RESIDENTIAL houses could be demolished to make way for a block of 50 flats which would redefine the town's landscape if approved.

The nine-storey building, proposed by Lauder Properties and Dorset Homes Ltd, could be developed at Wimborne Road seeing buildings flattened and roads widened to make way for the mammoth block.

It is understood there would also be 28 car-parking spaces and room for 58 bicycles at the site. It is currently occupied by a pair of semi-detached homes, a storage unit belonging to the neighbouring Labour Club, a detached garage, a car park for 20 vehicles and advertising hoarding.

If built, the new development would be the same height as that as Barclays House, situated immediately west of the proposed site.

Most of the surrounding area behind the block - which would also be a stone's throw from the seven-storey Keel House - is made up of traditional terraced houses and old cottages.

It is not yet clear when the plans are due to go before Borough of Poole.

Resident Linda Hazell, who lives at Denmark Lane directly behind the proposed development, said homes would be dwarfed by the massive properties.

"I didn't object to sheltered housing here but there is not enough parking," she said.

The planning application has seen more than 30 responses to the consultation from residents and other interested parties. A single petition objecting to the plans has been signed by 123 people.

In a letter sent by resident Hugh Bailey he said: "Car parking is a major issue within the Heckford Park area. All of this increased traffic and the lack of parking has clearly not been considered against the additional strain of these amenities along with the unknown impact of the traffic that will be evident when Keel House is finally completed."

Mrs Hazell said she'd spoken to planning officers who said Denmark Lane would be made into a two-lane carriageway to make way for the increased traffic.

She said: "The council doesn't seem to be listening to us.

"They want to make this a double road from a single track road. Where are the pavements going to go?

"I was told it would have traffic calming measures - but how is that going to help?

"Lots of us have protested about this."

Will Taylor, of Lauder Property Limited, said: "The proposed development is in a highly sustainable location for future residents and provides a significant number of much needed homes close to the town centre.

"Importantly the application makes provision for the significant widening and improvement of Denmark Lane and the access into Denmark Lane, to the rear of the site. These are significant highway safety improvements."