A GP’s timely warning that he could have to shut his surgery list to new patients if a much-needed extension did not get the go-ahead has swayed civic planners.

Despite almost 100 letters of support, Bournemouth’s principal planning officer Steve Davies recommended that members of the planning board refused permission for a two-storey extension at Poole Road Medical Centre in Westbourne.

He said: “Although having great community benefit, there are sound conservation objections.

“I have come to the view, on balance, that the conservation area issues are overriding as the council has a clear duty to preserve or enhance. The damage to the site will be permanent whereas the medical practice has other options, although it is accepted that they may be less economically or practically viable.”

But, following an impassioned plea from senior partner Dr Nigel Price, councillors decided to grant approval for the scheme.

Dr Price said: “The argument for need is overwhelming. Our building is literally overflowing. Unless we have the extension we can’t move forward. Our hands are tied – this is the last chance saloon. We will probably have to shut our lists.”

Ward councillors backed the application but Cllr David Smith said: “My only concern is one of precedent.

“If this gets granted are we setting a precedent and shooting ourselves in the foot?”

Supporting a move by Cllr Ben Grower to give the scheme the go-ahead, which was seconded by Cllr David Kelsey, board chairman Cllr John Beesley said: “It is a very fine balance between conservation area issues and the community benefits.

“I believe the weight of those community benefits outweigh the conservation area issues.”

The move was carried by nine votes to one.