REVISED proposals for an “arts and crafts style” retirement complex on the site of a former hotel in Poole have been approved.

Renaissance Retirement was originally given planning permission for a controversial 27-flat block on the site of the Quarterdeck Hotel in 2017 and work has since started on the site.

However, last year it submitted new plans seeking permission to increase the number of apartments on the Sandbanks Road site to 32, a move which has now been approved by BCP Council.

The original application attracted 34 letters of objection raising concerns that the replacement building would be “visually dominant and intrusive”.

The company previously said the site was “ideal” and said the new building of 14 one-bed and 18 two-bed flats was designed “in direct response” to constraints of the site and comments made by members of the public.

A planning statement submitted with the proposals said: “Architects have designed a visually attractive building that successfully addresses the constraints of the site and is sympathetic to the character of the area.

“The design of the building has evolved in direct response to the site’s constraints and the area’s character as well as to comments made by members of the public.”

Renaissance Retirement has said that the apartments will only be sold to people over the age of 65.

Its proposals include the provision of 31 parking spaces, most of which are underground in a basement facility.

The statement added: “Every effort has been made to overcome any potential overlooking issues and the rearward facing windows have been aligned to look away from the rear gardens of the properties in Copse Close.

“It is also proposed to strengthen the already heavily treed boundary between the application site and these properties.”

BCP Council planning officer Clare Spiller approved the application on Friday, May 24 following the completion of a legal agreement setting out required contributions to the council.