A CONTENTIOUS retrospective Christchurch planning proposal has been submitted which appears to mirror a refused application from several years ago.

Renaissance Retirement is seeking permission to retain an area of decking, with walls, railings and piers at Fleur-de-Lis, which is located on the historic Cornfactor site in the heart of the town centre.

In 2015, the application was refused by Christchurch Borough Council planning officers.

Scores of residents objected to the original proposal and have renewed their opposition against the plan currently under consideration.

Resident George Gregory, who was one of 28 residents to respond to the application, says the proposal "appears to be identical" to the refused scheme.

"There have been no changes since then as evidenced by the date on the architects drawing for this current application which is August 2014, exactly as the previous application," he said.

"Therefore this application should be refused for the same reasons."

Another resident says the applicants should have been subjected to enforcement action after the initial application had been refused.

The decking area, which consists of a ramp, steps and raised outdoor seating area, has now been in place for three and half years.

A heritage statement submitted by Renaissance Retirement makes no reference to the 2015 application, which itself was retrospective.

The statement says: "The redevelopment scheme that includes the Fleur-de-Lis Tea Room, sheltered housing a retail unit is a recent award-winning scheme that has transformed the area to the rear of High Street, removed a long-running eyesore and has re-established historic links between High Street and the Creedy.

"Due to its siting, design and materials, the development does not harm the setting of the nearby listed buildings or locally listed building, and preserves the character and appearance of the conservation area."

The redevelopment of the Cornfactor site came after Renaissance Retirement's plans were approved in 2013. This followed years of battles around tree felling issues in Druitt Gardens at the rear of the site.