PLANS to convert a former nursing home in Talbot Woods into 12 bedsit units are being opposed by residents and ward councillors.

The property in Glenferness Avenue is said to be unsustainable as a nursing home due to the level of investment required and is already being used as a house of multiple occupation.

But a planning application to formalise this change of use has sparked a wave of opposition from residents.

Bournemouth council has received 32 letters of objection, including one from the Talbot and Branksome Woods Residents’ Association, to the plan to turn the building into 12 bedsit units and one self-contained flat.

Stephen Coltman, chairman of the residents’ association, said the change of use “would not be compatible with the residential nature of the area”.

“There are several small nursing homes in the area in similar circumstances and the success of this application could begin a trend,” his letter said.

Ward councillor Andrew Morgan said the number of bedsit units “would not sit comfortably” with the family homes and purpose-built flats of the surrounding area.

And he added: “The change from an established nursing home with a regular pattern of usage to bedsits with much more ‘coming and going’ at all hours will be detrimental to the area.”

Fellow ward councillor Stephen Chappell said he was concerned other nursing homes in the area could close in the future and said: “This particular application could be the tip of the iceberg.”

In a statement submitted to support its planning application, Hollington architect and design team said: “There are to be no external alterations and therefore the external building appearance within the setting will be unaltered.

“There will be no adverse impact on the heritage asset/ conservation area.”

The planning application will go before the next meeting of the planning board today.