PLANS for a seven-storey block of 206 student bedrooms in Bournemouth are being recommended for approval.

The application for the demolition of Hendy House in Christchurch Road, which is used by a hire shop and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu centre, was first put forward in June last year although the design has been revised following residents’ concerns.

The scheme will go before Bournemouth council’s planning board on Monday (September 17) with officers recommending that planning permission be granted.

Proposals were submitted by Victoria Hall Management to meet the “pressing need” for new student accommodation in Bournemouth.

A statement submitted with the application said the development could help free up housing for non-students elsewhere in the town.

It says: “There is a pressing need for new student accommodation in Bournemouth.

Bournemouth University has embarked on an ambitious expansion programme at both their Talbot and Lansdowne campus sites.”

“However, the number of purpose-built student accommodation beds in the town has not increased to meet the growing student demand,” the report adds.

“In helping to address this demand, the proposed development could also help the council’s housing delivery requirements.”

Designs for the building have been revised from the initial plans following concerns raised by members of the public and the rear of the building has been lowered to reduce the impact on residents living behind the site.

A report to the council’s planning board says: “The plans detail a series of steps in the height of the building dropping down from seven storeys to two storeys at the rear of the site where the building presents a frontage to Weston Drive.

“The central portion of the rear wing is five storeys in height but I note this element is comparable in height and depth of footprint to the adjacent university building.”

It adds that the development “would not materially harm” the character and appearance of the area nor the “amenities” of neighbouring residents.

A decision on whether or not to grant planning permission for the scheme will be made by members of Bournemouth council’s planning board at its meeting on Monday (September 17).