THE second phase of a major development that will provide more than 30 homes in a coastal village is set to be approved.

Hoburne Developments are seeking permission to demolish four commercial premises on Lymington Road, Highcliffe, and build a mix of retail and residential units.

The scheme for the site on the south side of the road goes before Christchurch Borough Council’s planning committee on Thursday, while work continues opposite on the construction of the first part of the project from Hoburne.

If approved, the existing structures will be flattened and replaced with three shops, one “flexible” commercial unit, four three-bed houses, three three-bed flats, 19 two-bed flats and five one-bed flats, with parking, bicycle and refuse storage. A planning officer is recommending the scheme for approval.

A report produced by Christchurch Borough Council’s Kevin Chilvers ahead of Thursday’s planning committee says: “The scheme delivers new housing in a sustainable location and will contribute towards maintaining a five-year supply of housing land across the two authorities (Christchurch and East Dorset).

“The mixed use proposal includes commercial/retail units which would enhance the vitality and viability of Highcliffe village.

“The siting, scale, form and materials of the proposed development are considered acceptable and the character and appearance of the locality will not be adversely affected.”

An application for a slightly smaller scheme for the site was approved in December 2016.

The current proposals feature two three-storey structures on the frontage of Lymington Road comprising of the flats and retail units, with a row a three terraced houses and a detached house at the rear of the site.

Seven objections from residents were submitted to the council.

Concerns included overdevelopment, out of character from the rest of the area and the impact on traffic movements and parking along Lymington Road and Wortley Road both during construction and the occupation of the development.

The scheme includes 33 parking spaces behind the two blocks of flats, allowing for at least one space per residential unit.

If approved the scheme will provide more than £6,000 of council tax per year for Christchurch Borough Council.

The developers would also be expected to provide community infrastructure levy (CIL) contribution of more than £108,000.