DEVELOPERS have been given permission to replace a Victorian villa with a block of 26 flats.

Despite being the same size as a building previously approved for the Radcliffe Court site, the newest approval includes almost double the number of apartments.

Applicants Lynwood Park and Tyrell Investments said the first scheme for 14 flats was an inefficient use of the Manor Road site, despite already having started work on the new block.

Initial approval to demolish the building had been delayed after attempts were made by landowner George Meyrick to prevent its loss.

Planning permission was granted by Bournemouth council’s planning committee in 2015 with the scheme being backed by neighbours who described the villa as a “wreck”.

However, the developers said there was scope to increase the number of flats in the building without increasing its size.

A planning statement submitted with the application at the beginning of the year said: “Market research and analysis of build costs versus revenue has revealed that the permission does not result in an efficient situation, nor 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 envelope that has been approved.”

The firms’ revised scheme was approved by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council on Wednesday after it said there would be no “material harm” to its would-be occupiers.

Planning officer Richard Cable said: “Liaison was undertaken with the applicant in regard to a number of planning issues including securing additional information, informing an affordable housing contribution and securing additional and amended plans to resolve concerns.

“The development would be in accordance with the development plan, would not materially harm the character or appearance of the area or the amenities of neighbouring and proposed occupiers.”

None of the new flats will be ‘affordable’ after the developers said it was not financially viable to provide any.