CONTROVERSIAL plans to demolish a Poole home to make way for a development of seven replacement houses have been refused.

Stonehaven Berkeley Avenue Ltd had hoped to secure permission to build on land behind homes in Berkeley Avenue.

However, concerns were raised by neighbours about the impact developing the “environmentally sensitive” land would have and its proposals have now been refused by BCP Council.

The application was submitted in October with the developer saying it would make “more efficient” use of the land.

Stonehaven Berkeley Avenue had proposed to demolish 13 Berkeley Avenue to provide access to land behind where it had hoped to build seven three-bedroom homes with 12 parking spaces.

“The new houses have been designed to take the form of traditionally proportioned but contemporarily styled homes,” it said in a statement.

It added: “All of the sites that make up the proposed development plot are somewhat larger than average and it is therefore concluded that space exists to redevelop the site whilst still preserving the character and appearance of the area.”

However, the scheme attracted dozens of letters opposing the application were submitted, which disputed the firm’s claims.

The Society for Poole said the plans showed a “lack of respect” for the surrounding area.

Objector Mrs Caveney said the proposals were “a classic case of land-grabbing with no consideration for the community”.

BCP Council planning officer Kate Robson said that although the proposals had acceptable levels of parking and was in a “sustainable” location, it would cause “harm” to the residential character of the area.

Concerns were also raised about the ability to “satisfactorily” relocate a badger sett which is believed to be on the site.

She added: “The proposal would provide limited social and economic benefits of six additional dwellings but this would not outweigh the significant identified environmental harm.”

The application was refused on Friday (May 31).