THE demolition of a Victorian villa has been approved, despite a campaign to preserve it.

As previously reported, Bournemouth council's planning board refused permission for developer Holton Homes to knock down the former Boscombe Manor Medical Centre at 40 Florence Road and build a three-storey block of nine flats.

Councillors said the loss of the building - which is not a formal heritage asset but is 'locally listed' in the area's Neighbourhood Plan, was unacceptable, and also criticised the design of the proposed replacement.

Now the developer has applied simply to demolish the building. This doesn't require formal planning permission, just permitted development confirmation that it can be carried out by council officers.

The application states: "To avoid the opportunity of squatters inhabiting the building prior to the site being redeveloped (subject to planning permission), it is proposed to demolish the building.

"Doing so will also prevent the exterior of the building being vandalised and windows smashed, which could lead to detrimental harm to visual amenities.

"The applicant has also experienced previously antisocial behaviour by individuals, including those taking drugs at another nearby building at No. 5 Florence Road.

"In that instance, the demolition of the building had the support of the police crime prevention officer and the council’s environmental health officers.

"The building at No. 40 Florence Road is not a designated asset of community value, is not a designated heritage asset nor in a conservation area."

Accordingly, officers have confirmed no planning permission is required.

The move follows a campaign by local residents and Bournemouth Civic Society to preserve the building, and others in the area which are likewise only locally-listed in the Boscombe and Pokesdown Neighbourhood Plan, which has yet to come into force.

Earlier this month the civic society wrote to the council requesting it use its Article 4 Direction powers to protect the villa - well regarded for its period features - as well as other unofficial heritage assets around the town.

In a letter to the borough historic buildings consultant James Weir said: "We and a number of community groups are concerned by these back-door attempts to demolish heritage assets."

Planning board chairman David Kelsey has said it is a "nuisance" that members can refuse an application on heritage grounds, only to see the building demolished anyway.

The council's planning department said Article 4 Direction powers were only to be used in "exceptional cases", according to national guidance.

The borough has one such rule in place, allowing applications for new houses in multiple occupation to be rejected in areas where such accommodation already makes up 10 per cent of the housing stock.

Normally HMO conversions are permitted development.