THE fates of two historic Bournemouth buildings are due to be decided next week.

Borough planning officers have recommended that plans to construct three all-weather sports pitches on Dean Park Cricket Ground, formerly the home of both Dorset and Hampshire county cricket clubs, be given the green light.

In a report for the planning board, which meets on Monday (NOV 20), officers said: "To assist in the continued function of this site for sports associated use, it is considered that better enabling the site to be used for school playing fields has a public benefit and that the planning balance is weighted in favour."

They said the "lack of demand for such a cricket facility must be recognised".

The applicant, Dean Park Cricket Ltd, is linked with nearby independent Park School, which uses the facilities at the ground. A nursery inhabits its Grade II listed pavilion.

Councillors will also discuss, for the second time, plans to demolish a former GP surgery at 40 Florence Road, Boscombe, and build a three-storey block of nine two-bedroom flats.

The scheme, from developer Holton Homes, was originally brought up at the board in August, but deferred over an administrative delay.

The building, a Victorian villa, was formerly home to the Boscombe Manor Medical Centre until its resident GP Richard Hattersley departed in June.

Again, the plan, despite receiving 19 letters of objection, is recommended for approval by officers.

The borough's heritage officer, noting that the building is 'locally listed' in the Boscombe and Pokesdown Neighbourhood Plan (BPNP), said: "The loss of the building would be regrettable and contrary to the aims of the emerging Neighbourhood Plan."

In their report, officers said: "Taking into account the current status of the emerging BPNP and that the building is not formally considered or listed as a non-designated local heritage asset by the local planning authority, low weight should be given to the material consideration of the heritage value of the building.

"Any weight that may be attributable would be considered to be heavily outweighed by the benefits arising from the development having regard to regenerating an unproductive site, that makes a good contribution to meeting housing need at a sustainable development location."

Board members will also consider plans to build two three-storey blocks of seven flats each on the site of the St Alban's House Rest Home in St Alban's Avenue.