POOLE MP Robert Syms has lodged his objection against contentious plans to demolish Sandbanks' iconic Haven Hotel.

In a letter to Borough of Poole (BOP) chief executive Andrew Flockhart, Mr Syms said: "I do think one could redevelop the sites but giving the importance in particular of the Haven Hotel site, which is of course the gateway into Poole Harbour, I think the height of the buildings suggested is too high and will be out of keeping with the scale of the other properties nearby."

The proposed 10-storey apartment block at the site currently occupied by the Haven is part of a wider £250 million scheme that involves the demolition of three Sandbanks hotels. These are the Harbour Heights Hotel, Sandbanks Hotel and the Haven Hotel.

Businessman Richard Carr has drafted the plans on behalf of the owner of all three properties - FJB Hotels' John Butterworth.

More than 1,400 comments, in opposition to the plans, have already been lodged with borough planners.

And a recently-formed group, understood to be backed by many Sandbanks residents, has vowed to fight to save the Haven Hotel.

This Protect Sandbanks Group (PSG) is calling for BOP to relocate its planning committee to a larger venue when the proposals are likely to be heard later this year.

PSG chairman David Morley said: "I think there is generally a lot of public disquiet about this because it is such a sensitive area."

However, Mr Carr says the Haven Hotel has a limited lifespan due to its steel frame being corroded.

"The Haven Hotel cannot continue as a hotel as it is, in 20 years from now it will probably be condemned and shut."

Under the scheme the Haven Hotel would make way for a complex with 196 residential apartments, and the Sandbanks Hotel - the only UK hotel which backs directly onto a Blue Flag Beach - will be replaced with a modern 175-bedroom hotel.

Meanwhile, the Harbour Heights will be demolished, making way for a 40-suite apartment hotel.