PLANS to redevelop Poole's Quarterdeck Hotel site into a retirement complex have been given the go-ahead.

Renaissance Retirement wants to demolish the existing building and the house next to it on the Civic Centre gyratory, then build 27 one and two-bedroomed apartments.

At a meeting on Thursday Borough of Poole's planning committee approved the plans for the four-storey building - which also included landscape gardens and 28 underground parking spaces.

This was despite concerns from residents about loss of privacy to neighbours in Copse Close and its proximity to Poole Park and the Conservation Area.

The developers say they will be looking to start the build process in spring next year and it is anticipated that it will take around 18 months to build.

Renaissance Retirement managing director Robert Taylor said: “It was a very satisfactory result and we are delighted. Support for our scheme has been very positive from locals so I’m sure the majority of people will be pleased.

“This is an ideal site for sheltered housing being next door to the park, within a short walk of local shops and on a main bus route.”