PLANS to turn a former nursing home into a block of 10 apartments have been given the green light.

The latest scheme for Pinebeach care home in Mudeford was approved by members of Christchurch council's planning committee.

It comes after a previous 'Sandbanks style' scheme was withdrawn earlier this year.

The application to build a three storey residential block of 10 apartments following the demolition of the existing building in Southcliffe Road was recommended for approval.

There would also be 20 basement parking spaces as well as two visitor spaces at ground level.

The previous plans had the same number of apartments but the footprint had been reduced in the latest proposal.

However, 22 objections had been received about the scheme from residents, over concerns about overdevelopment, inappropriate design and noise and disturbance.

Other issues included the density of the development, potential for problems with on street parking, and obscured views of the sea.

In their report to the committee, planning officers said the site was in an area where there was a mix of styles and character which gave "a strong and very pleasant sense of place."

They recognised that the two-storey building is larger than most other developments in the area, but said given the variety of the other residences, there was no objection in principle.

As the proposed building followed the same footprint as the existing, it is aligned quite closely with the rear boundary.

Officers described this as "an unusual physical relationship" to number 55, but said the developer had tried to address these concerns.

And although there are concerns about the impact on the outlook from neighbouring properties, the separation distances mean a refusal of permission would have been 'unreasonable'.

Dorset County Council's highways team had initially raised concerns about the layout of the parking, asking for more information.

The home closed last year amid speculation the site was set to be sold for development.

At the time, the registered owner of the home, Mark Gould, refused to comment, except to confirm the home would close.

Mr Gould is a joint director of Lifecaring Holdings Ltd, the applicant.