CHANGES have been made to controversial plans for a retirement complex at the site of a demolished hotel.

Planning permission for the development at Poole’s Quarterdeck Hotel site in Sandbanks Road was given in 2016, despite strong objections from nearby residents.

Thirty-four people signed a letter of objection, which stated the scheme would be a “visually dominant and intrusive feature that would be entirely at odds with the established character of the residential area”.

The letter also argued the development would have a “seriously harmful impact” upon neighbouring homes by being “overbearing, oppressive, and overlooking”.

Renaissance Retirement, which wants to build the three-storey retirement complex, has already been given the green light to build 27 sheltered apartments for residents aged 65 and over. The hotel and an adjacent house have been demolished to make way for the development.

However, Renaissance has recently submitted revised plans to the council for 32 apartments.

Several of the former duplex apartments planned have been omitted to increase the overall number of homes.

The complex includes landscaped gardens and basement parking.

Architects David James described the building as a “sensitively designed arts and crafts building” in a design and access statement.

“The proposed building sits comfortably within the plot and is of a scale that is in keeping and respects the character of Sandbanks Road, the surrounding properties and the wider Conservation Area,” they said.

They added: “Every effort has been made to overcome any potential overlooking issues and the rearward facing windows have been aligned to look away from the rear gardens of the properties in Copse Close.

“It is also proposed to strengthen the already heavily treed boundary between the application site and these properties.”

As previously reported, Renaissance is anticipating the build will take 18 months to complete.

Speaking after its initial plans were approved, the company said the site was “ideal” for sheltered housing, being next to Poole Park, within a short walk of local shops and on a main bus route.

The revised plans will be determined by the Borough of Poole’s planning department at a later date.