PLANNING chiefs have given the green light for Poole’s landmark Sea View Hotel to be demolished - despite a number of objections being raised.

Developers want to tear down the Victorian pub to make way for a convenience store and 10 flats.

Borough of Poole (BOP) planning committee gave permission after voting four in favour, three against and one abstention.

Cllr Marion Le Poidevin, Branksome West councillor and planning committee member, voted against the proposal on road safety grounds. She said: “The layout of the roads at Sea View are very open and drivers and pedestrians have a clear view of traffic on all approaches. With the new building set at the front of the site close to the corner, sight lines, particularly coming down Sea View Road, will be blocked.

“Vehicles will be turning into and leaving the car park behind the building opposite Hermitage Road close to a pedestrian crossing. Delivery lorries will leave the site onto Ashley Road and have to turn right across two lanes of traffic, again near a pedestrian crossing. I am very worried that people will be put in danger.”

Meanwhile, planning committee chairman Cllr Peter Pawlowski said: “Given that the owner could convert this public house into a shop without applying for planning permission, this well designed application was welcomed.

“The development will also bring significant transport improvements to this important roundabout.”

Before Borough of Poole’s planning committee met at the Civic Centre earlier this week, more than 100 representations had been lodged by residents and businesses. Most objected on grounds including congestion, the loss of the pub and anti-social behaviour.

Former Ashley Road Traders Association chairman Richard Wilson wrote in his submission: “The traffic is already very busy. There will be a detrimental effect on the shops in the area that are well established. The pub serves the community well and will be sadly missed.”

Dorset Police was concerned drivers could use its car park to cut through between Sea View Road and Ashley Road and that the car park behind the building could attract antisocial behaviour.

The Society of Poole Men also objected, citing concerns about the effect on the sight lines at the roundabout.

The council says the planned 10 parking spaces for the shop and 10 for the flats are considered adequate.

There were a “small number” of comments supporting the scheme.