PLANS to convert a small storage building behind a terrace of shops into two homes have been rejected.

MNB Properties sought planning permission for alterations and an upwards extension to the structure behind the Golden Oryza Chinese restaurant in Southbourne Grove, accessed via service road Southbourne Lane East.

However council officers have dismissed the plans as of "poor design", and a "cramped and congested form of overdevelopment".

Bournemouth Civic Society was more scathing. In an objection to the scheme the society stated: "This application is overdevelopment on a considerable scale; there is no space whatsoever for car parking and basic infrastructure facilities and there is virtually no

provision for a reasonable amount of open space between the north side of the new houses and the rear of the existing shops.

"We therefore feel that the planning department should make every effort to prevent the rear areas of shops in well-established retail areas from being degraded in this way."

A report by planning officer Richard Cable said the scheme would not provide satisfactory living conditions for the intended occupiers.

"The proposed units would look straight onto Southbourne Lane East, and future occupiers would not benefit from any defensible space," the report states.

"In addition, it is noted that the proposed units would not benefit from any usable external amenity area."

The report describes the outlook from the proposed flats as "poor", with a below ground dining area having only roof lights, and ground floor rooms looking directly out onto the service road.

"In addition, it is noted that the refuse storage for the proposed dwellings would be within close proximity of a main living room window," the report states.

Officers also noted that the proposed flats did not meet the Government's housing standards for room size or ceiling height.

In a planning statement prepared by consultancy firm Ellis and Partners, MNB claimed its scheme "presents a great opportunity to provide a new residential property within a highly sustainable area of Southbourne Grove".

The statement says: "The future residents will benefit from the wide range of services and facilities available within the area.

"The highway to the front of the property is lightly trafficked and therefore little noise or disturbance would occur.

"Good levels of natural light are presented to all living accommodation."

The developer also noted that Bournemouth council's Core Strategy document indicates a preference for development in the form of “urban intensification”, provided such schemes "be of good design; enhance the street scene; respect amenity; and positively contribute to the neighbourhood and achieving a sustainable community".