COUNCILLORS will discuss fresh plans to demolish a former care home in Poole and build a block of 36 flats in its place.

In 2016, outline planning permission was granted for a similar scheme at the site of Marlborough House care home on the corner of Bournemouth Road and Marlborough Road.

However, developers Blue Bay Properties have amended their plans for 36 homes split across two blocks. Now they are seeking permission to build a two-storey link between the two blocks.

The proposals have attracted opposition from residents who think the proposed development is too large and would put increased pressure on nearby services and facilities.

They have also expressed concerns over a lack of parking and increased congestion along Marlborough Road at the Bournemouth Road junction.

However, Poole council planning officer James Gilfillan said the proposed flats “on a prime transport corridor” would “enhance the appearance of the site and street”.

The 52-bed care home, which was owned by Bournemouth businessman Abdul Jaffer, closed in 2015 following a damning Care Quality Commission report which rated the facility ‘inadequate’.

Two other care homes in Poole owned by Mr Jaffer went bust months later after being deemed ‘not economically viable’ by administrators.

Blue Ray Properties’ latest plans for the care home have been recommended for approval ahead of a planning committee meeting on Thursday.

Mr Gilfillan said: “Compared to the 2016 approved scheme, the principal change is the introduction of the two-storey link above the access drive.

“This increases the scale of the building and the amount of built form fronting Marlborough Road.

“While there would be an increase in the overall massing of the main building when compared to the previous approval, this would not result in increased harm to the character and appearance of the area than the development already approved. It also has the benefit of making a more efficient use of the site.

“The scheme would make a positive visual contribution to the appearance of Bournemouth Road,” he added.