NEW plans to build 10 flats on the site of a former nursing home have been turned down - just months after a proposal was accepted for the building.

The scheme for Pinebeach care home in Mudeford has been unanimously rejected by Christchurch Borough Council's planning committee.

The plan was similar to the development accepted in December 2016, but with an increased built footprint, rearranged window disposition, roof features and balcony configuration leading to a reorganised internal floor layout.

An application for a 'Sandbanks style' scheme for the site was withdrawn earlier in 2016, which had a bigger footprint than December's approved plans.

The applicants, Lifecaring Holdings Ltd, claim the approved scheme is not financially viable.

The planning officer's report for the latest application recommended refusal and was accompanied by 47 objections from properties, who voiced concerns of overdevelopment of the site, overlooking and overbearing.

In the report, planning officers said: "The proposed development would significantly increase the bulk and mass of built form when compared to the previously approved proposal."

Ward councillor and acting vice-chair of the planning committee Claire Bath put forward the motion of refusal.

"It would be nice to have something there that is of benefit to our beautiful ward. However I believe this is pushing it far too far to make it increase in bulk and mass, and bring the building line further forward and actually dominate the area more than it needs to," Cllr Bath said.

This motion was seconded by Cllr Denise Jones, who said: "I totally agree it is a case of bulk, mass, scale. It will ruin one part of an important area - the Friars Cliff region - and I don't think it is acceptable."

Acting chair Cllr Lisle Smith revealed the application would have been dealt with under delegated powers, but due to Cllr Lesley Dedman's minor pecuniary interest in the site, the scheme had to go before committee.

The nursing home closed in 2015, but since then has been subject to a number of antisocial behaviour incidents according to residents, including issues of vandalism and drug taking.

This activity led to the building being boarded up earlier this year, whilst developers consider what to do with the site.