ARTS University Bournemouth’s plans for an ‘innovation studio’ have been approved, despite strong objections from residents over its shape and “garish” orange colour.

Representatives of Talbot Village Residents’ Association spoke out against the building’s design at a Poole council planning committee meeting on Thursday.

“Our residents have no objection in principle to the facility, however the design of the building is totally and completely out of character with the area in shape and colour,” they said.

“How would you like to look out your window or turn out your drive and be faced with this?”

Some equally colourful comments from residents were quoted at the meeting, which referred to the design as an “upturned jelly mould” and “a schizophrenic broken jigsaw”.

The state-of-the-art studio for small businesses in the digital and creative industries will be built on the western edge of AUB’s Wallisdown campus.

The university submitted detailed plans for the facility in September after winning funding from Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

The studio will be a base for small business start-ups, many of which will be the work of AUB’s graduates.

AUB said the studio would encourage employability and act as a catalyst for growth.

Mervyn McFarland, director of planning firm Turley, told planning committee members: “As a leading university for the creative arts, we champion the cause of inspirational architecture. It is an imaginative and creative building which reflects the creative spirit of the activities that will take place in it.”

Cllr Drew Mellor said if the design was “less bright and garish, we could get behind this”, adding the colour was “hugely material to the application”.

“The purpose of the building is fantastic, but you’re talking about 50 shades of orange, which is unpalatable in a residential area,” he said.

The officer agreed that if the plans were granted, a condition requiring “absolute clarity on the different shades of orange used on facets of the building” would be added.

Other members backed the proposals and the bold design.

Vice chairman Cllr Ron Parker said: “It is right AUB does something dramatic to make a statement. The architecture is superb. There was massive objection to the Sea Music statue and now it’s regarded with some respect. This could be similar.”

Cllr Tindle said: “I have no problem with the design, and I think it’s great – it should stand out. The proof in the pudding is if people have managed to sell their services by using the building.”

Designed as a ‘signature’ building, it will accommodate a series of ‘focus pads’ on three different levels, with natural light shafts provided to each one.

Professor Stuart Bartholomew CBE, principal and vice-chancellor of AUB said: “At AUB, we take great pride in the innovative and head-turning architecture that makes up our campus. We are delighted to be expanding upon our existing specialist resources to provide a creatively inspirational space for local businesses to experiment, innovate, be curious and push boundaries.”

Jim Stewart, chair of Dorset LEP, said: “The Innovation Studio will provide a much needed space for new businesses and graduate start-ups. Furthermore, creative and digital Industries are a priority sector for Dorset LEP and this building will contribute to the successful growth of this sector in the region.”