DEVELOPERS are seeking permission to change the roof design of two approved tower blocks to fit more flats in.

Inland Homes’ scheme to replace the Wessex Hotel with a new 215-bedroom hotel and two blocks with a total of 88 flats was approved in 2017.

The firm has now submitted revised plans to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council to change the style of roof – allowing it to fit six more flats in.

Planning permission was originally granted despite concerns that the development was dominated by the housing blocks rather than focusing on the hotel.

Demolition of the hotel, which once had the largest ballroom in the town, took place last year, following the decision of Bournemouth council’s planning committee to allow redevelopment.

Parking would be provided underground.

The new plans would change the design of the roof from the approved Victorian style, which the developer says would allow “more efficient” use of the top floor.

A planning statement submitted with the application says that most of the buildings in area surrounding the hotel site had been “unsympathetically altered” from their original Victorian designs.

“We feel that the introduction of a mansard or similar roof typology would invigorate the area rather than introducing a Victorian mock pastiche to an already diminished background setting to the conservation area,” it says.

“The modest increase of six units from 88 to 94 dwellings will have a minor impact on local amenities but may help to relieve pressure on green field/greenbelt developments.”

It adds that the proposed changes “maximise the living space” within the blocks.

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