CONTROVERSIAL plans to demolish a Victorian mansion and replace it with a block of flats are due to be considered by councillors.

A revised application seeking to redevelop the Wilderton Road site was submitted in June after Poole council rejected a larger scheme in January.

And ward councillor Mohan Iyengar, who supports the development, has called the proposals in for consideration by the BCP Council planning committee.

The revised proposals reduce the number of flats planned for the site from 25 in the original scheme to 21, seeking to address earlier concerns about the impact the building would have on surrounding trees.

Developer Highdrive Property previously warned the existing building was “condemned” and “no longer fit for human habitation” with repair work being not viable.

A statement submitted with its application says: “The proposed building is unique in terms of its design, position and appearance.

“As such, such the design of this building will be unique and add to the local distinctiveness of this affluent area of Poole.”

The proposed replacement block has been reduced in height by one storey, which it says better fits in with the height of other nearby buildings.

However, neighbours have opposed the scheme due to concerns about the potential increase in issues of noise and overlooking.

The application has been called-in for consideration by councillors by Cllr Iyengar.

He said: “I support conservation in most cases because it protects assets of beauty and safeguards the look and feel of the area for the community.

“But Wilderton House is now an exception. Its continuance on the site is a potential health and safety hazard and an attraction for misbehaviour and crime.

“BCP Council must face the reality that the current building hasn’t been viable to maintain and will deteriorate further if a new and reasonable scheme isn’t approve to take its place.”

Members of the council’s planning committee will consider the latest application in the coming months.