PLANS to build a large home with a swimming pool in the basement at Friars Cliff have been approved – despite concerns from nearby residents.

The proposal to demolish the existing home in Cliff Drive, Christchurch and replace it with a larger, more modern building plus a swimming pool, was given the go-ahead by members of Christchurch council’s planning committee last week.

The plans for the new four-bedroom house would see a basement added, making it a three-storey home.

Nine residents raised concerns about the scheme to the council, with one letter saying: “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.”

Other comments raised concerns about a precedent being created through the approval of the development and the inappropriate design form.

And there was also concern about ground stability and the provision of the basement area.

However, the council’s coastal management team raised no objection to the plans, saying the ground stability report was “thorough” and offered “no cause for concern.”

The planning report from officers to members said the size of the new building would be “comparable” with other nearby homes.

The flat roof design – another issue raised by residents – was not considered to be at odds with the setting, officers said.

And concerns about overlooking sparked by the “substantial areas of glazing in the plans” were given “very careful consideration”, with screens needed on the balcony areas.

Trees within the site would be protected during development, the report added.