'WE don't want to be the new Sandbanks'.

That's the message from residents in Friars Cliff, Christchurch over plans for a new home on the cliff top.

The development in Cliff Drive could see the existing home demolished to make way for a larger contemporary home, with a swimming pool in the basement.

But residents have objected to the plans with concerns about the design of the building as well as the stability of the cliffs.

One resident in a letter to the council said: "We should not be condemned to look at a very ugly building and we should not try and turn Friars Cliff into another Sandbanks with ugly glass buildings."

Another neighbour likened the design to a commercial office block rather than a "tastefully designed traditional house".

Another objection from a Friars Cliff residents said: "Oh dear. The street view kindly provided by the architects shows what a carbuncle on the street scene this proposal is.

"This one looks like an office block...grey and lacking in character. This proposal does not fit in with the street scene and should not be allowed."

Residents say they would prefer to see a pitched roof to fit in with neighbouring homes.

In a planning statement to the council, the agents, David James Architects say: "The area is undergoing considerable change with many of the original dwellings being replaced with new development.

"The majority of these new buildings are of contemporary design and now form an integral part of the character of the area.

"The majority of these contemporary designs sit very comfortably alongside more traditionally designed houses."

David James, the director of David James Architects and Associates Ltd said: "We appreciate that some Friars Cliff residents might prefer to see a pitched roof design, but the styles of houses in Friars Cliff are many and varied and already include other flat roof modern houses.

"We believe our design will really enhance the look of the area.

"We can reassure local residents that cliff stability specialists have assessed the site and see no cause for concern with the proposal, and that none of the established protected trees will be removed.”