CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a block of flats in Broadstone have been recommended for approval.

Dozens of people have objected to the proposal submitted by P E Barton to redevelop the Upton Way site due to concerns about its scale.

However, BCP Council planning officers have said the location is “sustainable” and recommended that councillors approve the scheme when they consider it on Thursday (July 11).

In 2017 planning permission to build two homes on the site was approved.

Revisions were made with a new proposal submitted in May seeking outline permission to build a block of six two-bedroom flats with 11 parking spaces.

In a statement submitted with the application, the developer said the building would “likely reflect” the characteristics of other nearby homes.

“The scale of the development proposed has been carefully balanced,” it said.

“This creates an attractive scheme which continues the character and pattern of surrounding development and makes the best use of this site whilst not representing overdevelopment nor create an overbearing impact on neighbouring properties.”

However, more than 30 people have submitted letters objecting to the proposals and the application has been called-in for consideration by the council’s planning committee.

The Society for Poole said the proposed building “offends the character” and “damages the openness” of the area.

Despite this, a report published ahead of the Thursday meeting of the committee recommends that councillors grant planning permission.

“The proposed building is broadly the same as that previously approved in terms of size, scale and siting,” it says.

“Its siting is such that it would not adversely affect the outlook from any neighbouring property and any shading would be the same as has already been approved.”

The report adds that as the application is only outline, issues surrounding access to the site, its layout and the scale of the scheme cannot be considered until later reserved matters proposals are put forward.