PLANS to demolish a tile showroom in Winton and replace it with 13 homes have been approved.

BCP Council planning officers have granted permission for the Dunkley Tiles and Bathrooms scheme, despite concerns about its potential impact.

Positive Installations will now be able to clear the site to make way for five two-bedroom and eight three-bedroom homes.

The firm said it had put a “considerable amount of time and effort” into the plans which it said created a “carefully balanced and attractive” development.

“The existing buildings do not make any form of positive contribution to the site or surrounding area,” its planning agent said in a statement submitted with the application. “As such, their loss is considered acceptable.

“In contrast, the proposed residential units have been designed with variations to their overall style and appearance to allow each respective element to make its own distinct contribution to the character and appearance of the area.”

However, concerns were raised by one shop owner who backs onto the site about the impact the redevelopment would have on access for deliveries.

Laurence Tomei, who runs Superpets in Wimborne Road, objected to the scheme, criticising the lack of any replacement to its drop-off area.

“We have rear access onto the site and have commercial access for artic and other lorries,” he said.

“There is no parking for lorries in front of the shop which is occupied by yellow lines and a large bus stop, the only place that lorries can park is on this site.

“Should this site be given permission for residential use there would be nowhere for delivery lorries to park and deliver their goods.”

He said traffic wardens were “very aggressive” in “protecting” the bus stop which runs along the front of his store.

Despite this, BCP Council planning officers agreed to approve the scheme last week.