A “GHASTLY” Victorian villa in East Cliff is set to be knocked down and replaced with a swanky new apartment complex.

Bournemouth Borough Council’s planning board has approved plans to demolish Radcliffe Court on Manor Road and for a five-storey apartment block to be built on the site.

The decision was stalled after the landowner George Meyrick, of Meyrick Estates, made a last-ditch attempt to buy the derelict building for £1.3million, claiming he intended to restore it to its former glory and convert it into flats.

In a statement read out to the board on behalf of Mr Meyrick, he said the current owners had “neglected” the property, which is located within a conservation area, and cited this as grounds to refuse the application.

But councillors blasted Mr Meyrick after learning he had owned the site until 2009 and had made no attempt to restore the villa.

Speaking on behalf of the developers, Lynwood Park Ltd, Ken Parke claimed Meyrick Estates had used “aggressive tactics” in a bid to stall the plans and disrupt the planning process.

He added: “Meryrick Estates owned this site up until 2009 so comments about neglect and them wanting to repair the building are absolute nonsense.”

Cllr, Anne Filer, who represents East Cliff and Springbourne, said she was “outraged” after hearing the revelation.

Urging the board to approve the plans to demolish the building, she added: “The majority of people don’t even know it is there. Just because something is old, in my opinion, doesn’t make it beautiful. This is an old building of no merit.”

The board heard the district valuer had deemed Meyrick’s proposals unviable and the council officers recommended the plans were approved.

The new apartment block will consist of 14 flats with parking in the basement and on ground level.

Residents of Dunholme Manor, which is next door to the building, said they fully supported plans.

Speaking on behalf of the residents John Peek said the derelict building was a “wreck” and a “disastrous site” where homeless people congregate.

Chairman of the board Cllr David Kelsey said the derelict villa was “ghastly” and that he had “no faith” Meyrick Estates would restore the building in the next ten years.

He also criticised Meyrick Estate for repeatedly submitting late evidence to the council.