DEVELOPERS are seeking permission to almost double the number of flats in a yet-to-be-completed East Cliff building which already has planning permission.

Despite work having already started on the demolition and reconstruction of Radcliffe Court under Bournemouth council’s existing decision to allow a 14-apartment block on the site, a new proposal upping the figure to 26 has been put forward for the same size building.

Applicants Lynwood Park Ltd and Tyrell Investments Inc say that “market research and analysis” has found that the smaller scheme is “not an efficient use” of the Manor Road site.

And now a new application has been submitted increasing the number of flats to 26 without any changed to the design or size of the building.

A planning statement submitted with the application says: “Market research and analysis of build costs versus revenue has revealed that the permission does not result in an efficient build cost versus revenue situation, not indeed an efficient use of the built volume permitted.

“Following a design review, it has been revealed that more efficient use can be made of the same built envelop that has been approved.”

It adds that it would not be viable for any of the units to be made available as ‘affordable’.

Work has already been started on the 14-flat scheme.

The application will be considered by Bournemouth council in the coming weeks.