OBJECTIONS have been made over plans to build more flats at a major development in Highcliffe.

A handful of residents have voiced concerns over the proposal to rebuild part of Highcliffe's shopping area in Lymington Road.

They claim adding an extra storey of flats to the existing plans, smacks of over development, something residents are concerned about.

Last year applicants Hoburne Developments Ltd were given approval for the scheme, along with planning permission for a similar scheme opposite.

The original proposal was for six retail units, 20 two-bedroom flats, three one-bedroom flats, four three-bedroom houses and the demolition of the existing buildings, which included two estate agents, Hoburne’s main office and an empty store.

Now, the new plans are proposing to build five more flats – bringing the total to 28 and adding a storey onto the block.

Other tweaks include a bridging link between the two blocks, three more car parking spaces and internal revisions to combine three of the shop units into one retail space.

But residents are unhappy with the plans, with one describing it as a "greedy" development.

"This change of the previously passed plan to include an extra floor and five more flats but only 3 more parking spaces is greedy development.

"The original plan lacked sufficient car parking. This is worse."

The resident says four storeys would be "oppressive".

Another neighbour said he would be unable to open both his bedroom and kitchen windows.

"At the age of 82 I don't want my home comforts disrupted", he added.

Other concerns raised include overdevelopment and lack of parking.

A statement from the developers said: “This increase should be regarded as a positive and beneficial feature of the scheme given the ongoing need for a significant boost in the number of new homes being delivered in the borough and nationally, the highly sustainable and accessible location of the site, and the national presumption in favour of sustainable development.”