A PUBLIC consultation over plans to build three student housing blocks around a car park in Bournemouth has been launched.

Site owners Summix RGB Developments and Sheet Anchor Evolve unveiled its plans for the north and east of Richmond Gardens car park at a meeting of Bournemouth council’s planning board in May where the scheme was described as “boring, square and dull” by board chairman Cllr David Kelsey.

The firms are seeking permission to build three blocks – the tallest being 15 storeys – to accommodate more than 700 students.

A previous scheme to build an eight-storey hotel, a seven-storey office block and a 120-flat building was approved in 2010 but the permission lapsed at the end of 2016 with no developer deeming it to be viable.

Under the proposal, no changes would be made to either the shopping centre or the multi-storey car park and its entrance would be retained beneath one of the blocks.

The land is identified in Bournemouth council’s town centre action plan as an area which could provide “intensified town centre uses” and is allocated for a mixed-use scheme in its development plan.

The town centre plan had sought to see the number of spaces provided in the multi-storey car park increased by 34 but councillors were told that no changes would be made to the existing facility.

A statement on the consultation website says: “The accommodation will provide large communal areas for students to relax and enjoy, as well as a high-level roof garden providing panoramic views of Bournemouth.

“The proposals incorporate extensive public realm improvements including replacement tree planting and landscaping.

“A dedicated student drop-off point is to be provided, alongside disabled car parking.

“Whilst the development will include screening to the car park, it does not propose any alteration to the number of spaces provided within the car park or alter the existing shopping centre which has recently undergone refurbishment.

“The economic benefits of the proposals and the contribution to the local economy will be significant.

“This includes the promotion of Bournemouth as a student destination and the creation of permanent and construction related employment.”

A planning application is expected to be submitted by the end of the summer.

Consultation responses can be made at richmondgardensconsultation.co.uk