PLANS to build a block of 10 flats where a bed and breakfast currently stands in Highcliffe have been refused by councillors.

The White House bed and breakfast on Lymington Road in Highcliffe would have been demolished as part of the plans, which went before Christchurch council's planning committee last week.

The proposal followed a previous application to demolish the mock-Tudor building and build nine flats and two chalet bungalows at the rear of the site.

Around 22 letters of objection were received about the scheme, with concerns about overdevelopment and the building being out of character.

They also raised concerns about the ongoing development of Lymington Road and the addition of more flats along the main village street.

Parking problems were also an issue referred to by residents and nearby business owners.

A report from planning officers to the committee said the building would be made up of two sections - the main building and rear wing.

"It is considered that the proposal would not be incongruous in the street scene given its design characteristics and the variety of building sizes and styles in this location", the report said.

"Although the depth and scale of the building results in a large bulk and mass to the building which would be visually evident from the rear of the site, given the partial screening of the built form by the adjacent buildings it

is considered that the characteristics of the built form would not have a negative impact on the character and appearance of the area."

They said it would not result in loss of privacy to any neighbouring properties.

No affordable housing would be provided as the number of properties falls below the required threshold set by the Government.

But members disagreed with the officers, unanimously refusing permission and going against the recommendation to approve.

The reasons for refusal concentrated on the size and bulk of the development.