'LET us know what's happening' is the call to Borough of Poole over its plans to develop Beach Road Car Park.

The large 352 spaces car park is in a prime location on the edge of Canford Cliffs Village close to Branksome Beach.

It was earmarked for development in Sustaining Poole's Seafront, a blueprint for improving Poole's seafront over the next 25-years.

The 36-page document includes the proposal for "provision for new housing" at Beach Road, with "retention of half the existing parking area."

Proposals for Beach Road Car Park were also set to be discussed at December's cabinet meeting - in private session due to "commercially sensitive information which, if placed in the public arena, may compromise the Council’s negotiating position" according to council papers. But the discussion was pushed back.

It has also appeared as an item on the cabinet forward planner.

What proposals will be under discussion, and how much money they might generate, has not been made public.

Branksome Park and Canford Cliffs Residents' Association chairman John Sprackling told the Echo nearby residents were "not at all happy."

Referring to a 2014 conservation area boundary review by the council, he added: "It is very interesting that Beach Road Car Park was taken out of the conservation area at the last review - although residents were keen it be left in. It seems there might have been an ulterior motive at the time.

"I'm not quite sure why the discussions should be in closed session. It is owned by the Borough and we ought to be told what is proposed sooner rather than later."

Kate Ryan, strategic director – place theme, Borough of Poole, said the council was facing "unprecedented" financial challenges and must find an additional £12million over the next four years on top of almost £60million savings already made.

“This challenge cannot be underestimated," she added. "The council must investigate ways in which it can make further efficiencies, save money and generate further income.

"As part of this, a review of all the council’s assets and how they can deliver better value for money has been underway for some time and this would include car parks.

“No decision has been made on the disposal or re-use of these assets, and any such proposal would be taken through the appropriate committees.”