CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a three-storey block of flats in place of a car dealership in Kinson have been withdrawn.

Submitted in November, the application to replace Cars of Kinson’s Wimborne Road showroom had attracted dozens of objections from residents over fears about a lack of parking in the area.

Developer Ikonic Homes said that its planned replacement three-storey building of nine flats would ‘positively contribute to the character and appearance of the area’ but has now withdrawn its application.

The company met with Bournemouth council planning officers in September to discuss the feasibility of its proposals where it was agreed that ‘adequate’ parking could be provided on the site.

In a planning statement, they said that the level of parking complied with levels required by the council and that the arrangement was ‘in accordance with local and national planning policies’.

However, its parking proposals attracted widespread criticism from residents who said there was already a ‘huge problem’ in the area.

Dozens of letters objecting to the application from residents, business owners and the secretary of the Kinson Conservative Club, directly opposite the dealership, had been submitted to the council before the application was withdrawn.

The owner of the neighbouring Blue Jade Chinese takeaway, Mr Tan, said that insufficient thought had been given to the scheme in terms of parking.

“The plans show that nine flats will be built but that only eight parking spaces will be provided,” he said.

“The problem is that many people in this area own two cars per household and if that turns out to be the case with the residents of this new development, where would an additional 10 cars park?

“If the council does nothing to amend the plans, all of those additional vehicles will have to park in front of my shop, the dental workshop, the funeral parlour and the old BT exchange and people will be free to park there for days on end, or even permanently, without any obligation to move it on and free-up a space.”

The application was withdrawn by Ikonic Homes on January 3.