PLANS to build a block of 36 flats in Bournemouth town centre have been granted on appeal.

Bournemouth council turned down the proposal by Devonshire Builders Ltd for Woodland Point, Wootton Mount, in 2016, stating that the block would be of "unacceptable bulk" and "excessive height and scale", out of character for the area and "overbearing and oppressive".

However the planning inspectorate has overturned this decision.

Its report states that the buildings in Wootton Mount are "dominated" by the tall buildings in Bath Hill, and the new block would also be subservient.

"To my mind, the proposal would mediate satisfactorily with this higher and more bulky group of buildings," the inspector states.

"Whilst the building would be four storeys higher than the residential building at 1-3 Wooton Mount, I consider that the taller buildings immediately to the south, very close to the road, are the more important in defining the character of the locality, and it would fit in well with this context.

"The building would not disrupt any important skylines or views."