The Sloop pub in Poole could be demolished for flats

AJ Developments is seeking outline planning permission to redevelop the site of The Sloop in Commercial Road into a block of 77 flats.

However, its proposals have been described as “ludicrous” and a “gross overdevelopment” of the site.

Brewers Hall and Woodhouse has owned the pub since 1898 but has been considering plans to close it after the business became unprofitable.

In 2017 it carried out a public consultation for a scheme of 40 flats and ground floor commercial space which attracted strong criticism.

Speaking at the time, its commercial manager, Chris Chapman, said it was not "ethically right" to continue the business.

Many objectors said that the newly-appointed management had turned the pub’s fortunes around.

The latest development plans, put forward by AJ Developments, is a solely residential block of 61 one-bed and 16-two bed flats with 43 parking spaces.

A planning statement submitted by the developer says: “The proposed use is considered entirely acceptable given the surrounding context is that of primarily residential use, barring the various civic buildings and functions within the gyratory system.

“The applicant notes that the area around the site is undergoing residential intensification with permission at 1 and 3 Commercial Road for 80 dwellings and the now completed conversion of the conversion of the former police station into 52 dwellings."

An objection has already been lodged with resident Mr Delve describing plans to redevelop the pub as “a shame”.

“It seems ludicrous to demolish a perfectly good pub, one of a few with an outside garden of Victorian architecture,” he says.

“This will only add to the massive problem of traffic congestion and population density within this area, straining local services.

“The size of the proposed development is not proportionate to the surroundings and is a gross overdevelopment of the site.”

The application will be considered by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council in the coming weeks.