PLANS for a three-storey block of student flats in Bournemouth's Wimborne Road have been rejected.

ASN Capital Investments Ltd already has permission to build a two-storey block of 15 flats behind the existing Arts University Bournemouth block called Hector's House, at 676-680 Wimborne Road.

However, its revised plans adding an extra floor and six additional flats have been deemed too imposing by council officers.

A report by planning officers states: "The insertion of a building taller than the main frontage buildings is not considered to be good design and would detract from the character and appearance of the area.

"The extant consent was granted partly on the grounds that it was hidden from view."

In an objection, Bournemouth Civic Society said "given the very high density of the existing buildings that surround this site, we feel strongly that what is proposed is totally unsuitable".

"We think this is yet another example of an attempt to create substandard accommodation for university students in situations that were never designed for such use."

The applicant had said the scheme would "support the local need for dedicated student accommodation and the highly successful educational institution which it serves".