PLANS to knock down four houses in Highcliffe and replace them with a block of 38-apartments have been recommended for refusal.

Planning officers at Christchurch Borough Council published the recommendation this week.

Following a consultation event in June, Churchill Retirement Living submitted the extensive plans for Stuart Road to the planning department in August.

The proposals, which would be built at the junction with Lymington Road, comprise of 23 one-bed flats and 15 with two bedrooms.

One of the properties earmarked for demolition is the Beech Tree bed and breakfast.

Churchill say the development will “provide attractive, high quality, self-contained apartments in landscaped grounds” and that they have been “carefully chosen” after consultation with the community.

If the plans were to be approved, the development would be completed during next year.

But scores of people have written to the council objecting to the plans, on grounds of the building being out of character with the area and too big.

There were also concerns about the addition of more retirement properties when the area is in need of family homes.

Comments were also made about local facilities, especially medical, being stretched, with concerns about the impact of traffic flow and parking raised as well.

Andrew Burgess, planning director at Churchill Retirement Living, said: "We're disappointed with the recommendation to refuse.

"We will be lodging a planning appeal if this application is refused."

Previously, Cllr John Lofts, who is ward councillor for the area and does not sit on the planning committee, said: "That is 38 housing units where there were four houses before.

"My feeling is that it is over the top – it is over development. I have not yet found anybody who lives here who agrees with this proposal and thinks it is a good idea."

A spokesperson for Christchurch council said as the recommendation is in line with the objections, the application may not be decided by committee, but under delegated powers.

If a member decides to call in the application, the scheme would be brought to committee.