MORE than 2,730 objections have now been lodged with Poole planners calling for proposals that involve the demolition of Sandbanks' Haven Hotel to be rejected.

The number of responses to the £250million scheme drawn up by businessman Richard Carr are among the highest ever received by Borough of Poole's (BOP) planning department.

Proposals have been registered to demolish the Sandbanks Hotel, the Haven Hotel and the Harbour Heights.

The most contentious element of the plan is the construction of a 10-storey residential complex at the Haven Hotel site, which would be demolished.

The Protect Sandbanks Group (PSG), which is campaigning against the plans - in particular against proposals for the Haven Hotel site - says it has been "very much encouraged by the tremendous level of support" it has received.

Poole MP Robert Syms and a number of environmental groups have also voiced opposition to the scheme as it stands.

Mr Carr says the 196-apartment complex proposed for the Haven site would essentially fund the redevelopment of the Sandbanks Hotel, into a new 175-bedroomed hotel, and the Harbour Heights, which would become a 40-suite apartment hotel.

PSG chairman David Morley told the Daily Echo: "We have met Borough of Poole planning officers to discuss our concerns.

"We've been very encouraged by the tremendous level of support we've had, locally, nationally and internationally. It has been overwhelming. And that simply reflects what an important site Haven Hotel is.

"It is the entrance to Poole Harbour and we need something there that the people of Poole can be proud of.

"We are not opposing knocking down the hotel and replacing it, we would like it to be replaced by another hotel because there has been one on the site for 180 years. But any development must respect the character of the area."

PSG's Facebook page has already been visited 100,000 times, and a video highlighting the issue has been viewed more than 50,000 times.

Mr Carr, has drawn up the scheme on behalf of the owner of all three properties - John Butterworth of FJB Hotels.

The proposals are likely to be considered by BOP's planning committee later this year.

Mr Carr said: "The residents in the action group have to be realistic. The Haven Hotel has a lifespan probably between 15-20 years. We have a meeting with Poole council in the diary to discuss the objections, and to find out what they would feel is a more realistic height in light of the objections.

"The Haven site is an enabling development, to enable to the redevelopment of the other two sites - it is the only site in Sandbanks, because of its size, where this can happen.

"I've read letters from people saying this is going to be the start of Miami Beach in Dorset, which is ridiculous."