CALLS have been made for a “reality check” on plans to knock down one of the last houses in a Poole road and replace it with a five-storey building.

The two-storey 19th century home in West Quay Road is surrounded by businesses and blocks of flats. Developers have had their eye on the site for several years, and previous planning applications have been approved by the council.

The most recent one, granted permission in November, would see the house replaced with a block of eight flats and two duplexes.

A new scheme has since been submitted by AJ Developments, which features a five-storey building with 10 flats and an office unit on the ground floor.

In a design and access statement, the developer’s consultant Pure Town Planning states two-storey dwellings have “become alien in this location”.

They explain while the footprint of the proposed development is “relatively large given the constrained area of the site” it is “commensurate with the previously approved schemes, surrounding area and typical of flatted developments”.

The newly-proposed ground floor office unit “is considered to make the most efficient use of the site… while providing employment and business opportunities”.

However, the developer’s plan for just two parking spaces on the site has drawn criticism from neighbours.

Aidan Cowley, of Weighbridge House in Bay Hog Lane, said the proposals were “ridiculous” in a letter of objection sent to the council.

“I have not objected to previous applications as these have appeared to be reasonable, with a decent ratio of dwellings to parking spaces.

“The reference to available parking across West Quay Road is misleading – this car park is temporary and will not exist when that site is developed.

“The provision of an office on the ground floor does not fit with this development. How many businesses can rent an office with no parking? So, can we have a reality check on this development please? Reduce the number of flats, lose the office and put in decent parking provision.”

Pure Town Planning says in its design statement: “Although the applicant acknowledges that the development will result in a parking shortfall, the level of parking proposed is considered to be acceptable as the site lies in a highly sustainable location, close to a number of shops and services in the surrounding area.”