NEW plans have been submitted for a controversial scheme to replace five bungalows in Southbourne with a retirement complex.

More than 100 people objected to the original application submitted by Renaissance Retirement before it was rejected by Bournemouth council in November.

But the firm is now proposing a scaled-back development which it says addresses concerns about the size of the new building.

In a statement submitted with the new application, the company said it was a “fantastic opportunity” to redevelop the Belle Vue Road site.

More than 110 letters of objection were submitted after the original 40-flat application was put forward.

And, in November, Bournemouth council rejected the scheme, saying its main concern was the impact of the “substantial” building which it said would have an “oppressive” impact on neighbouring homes.

The company is now hoping its revised application to demolish five bungalows to make way for its four-storey block of 38 “sheltered apartments” will be approved.

A statement, submitted with the plans, says: “There exists a fantastic opportunity to redevelop the site, increasing its efficiency and bringing about an enhancement to the street scene and to the wider character of the area.

“This application addresses the reasons for refusal, most significant of which were the proximity to boundaries and the scale and mass of the proposed building.

“David James Architects has designed a visually-attractive building that successfully addresses the constraints of the site and is sympathetic to the character of the area.”

Purchasing of the “generously-sized” apartments, 13 of which would be one-bedroom with the remainder having two bedrooms, would be restricted to people aged 60 and over.

Provision has been included for 33 parking spaces as well as a store for mobility scooters and bikes but the statement says a minibus will be provided to try and encourage people living there to go without cars.

The statement adds: “The proposed amount of development is appropriate to the size of the site and is considered to reflect the surrounding building line and offers potential to provide homes in the area.

“The building has been greatly reduced in size following consultation with the council which resulted in a reduction in the number of units to 38.”

The latest application will be considered by BCP Council planning officers in the coming weeks.