A DOCTOR has hit out at Bournemouth council in the latest of a series of planning rows in the town.

Nigel Graham is furious that a three-storey block of flats has sprung up at the bottom of his garden, with windows overlooking numerous homes and gardens.

Permission for the property was granted by the same authority which refused to allow Dr Graham a balcony on top of his one-storey extension - in case it overlooked the neighbours.

The flats, in Belle Vue Road, Southbourne, are almost ready for occupation and Dr Graham said the development has not only reduced the value of surrounding homes but ruined the enjoyment of their gardens.

Dr Graham lives with his wife, Francine, and four children aged between seven and 18. The family has a pool and summer house in the garden.

"My wife has already indicated that she will not feel comfotable using the pool," said Dr Graham, an osteopath. "We are not happy that people will be able to watch our children playing.

"All we wanted to do was to deck the top of our extension so we could sit on the balcony during the summer but we were not allowed to do so - it is wrong that this development was allowed."

The flats are just one of scores of developments causing concern to residents all over Bournemouth who fear over-development could damage the character of the town.

Council spokesman Joe Harrison said: "Every planning application is different and is subject to planning conditions.

"We can't comment on individual cases but balconies do tend to be more intrusive than windows. However, the person who made the application can appeal."