REVISED plans for a former convent site in Poole have been welcomed by residents happy to see the 12-storey tower removed.

The controversial towering retirement apartment building was to be erected on the former St Joseph’s Convent in Parkstone Road.

But developers McCarthy & Stone are now going ahead with the assisted living (extra care) element of the development – and the tower of 23 retirement apartments has gone from the plans.

The revised proposals are for some 60 assisted living apartments and around 30 car parking spaces.

They are still proposing a modern art deco inspired design for the building which will drop from seven to four storeys towards Churchfield Court.

The new scheme went on public display at St Mary’s Longfleet Church Centre on Monday, drawing particular interest from residents of neighbouring Churchfield Court.

It was largely well received with one resident commenting: “The new plans are 250 per cent better than they were before.

“The whole design is better – but the height in particular.”

She added: “But the access problem remains – they still need to do something to improve safety on the road.”

Another resident, who asked not to be named, said: “They are an improvement on the previous plans, but I still have concerns about the parking.

“I don’t think there is enough provision for parking on site.”

Architect Matthew Richardson presented the plans to the public and said they had been “very positively received”.

He added: “People’s main worry was the size of the previous scheme and we have tried to keep the positive elements and take away the biggest negative.”

Planning permission was granted by Borough of Poole in March 2013 for 57 assisted living and 23 retirement apartments with 43 parking spaces.

After considering local needs in Poole, the Bournemouth-based company has decided to go ahead with different plans.