PLANS to demolish a clifftop home in Bournemouth and replace it with a block of flats are set to be approved next week.

Concerns have been raised about the impact Brownseabuild’s scheme to redevelop the Boscombe Overcliff Drive site would have on neighbours.

But despite this, BCP Council planning officers are recommending that the application be approved when it is considered by councillors on Thursday, September 5.

The developer said the site was the ideal for redevelopment and described its plans for a four-storey block of seven flats as “sustainable”.

“The proposal provides quality accommodation in a sustainable location that will be an enhancement to the character and appearance of the locality,” a statement submitted with its application says.

“Care has been taken to ensure no harm to the amenities of the neighbouring occupiers.

“The proposal is the right type of windfall site to come forward to support the principles of sustainable development.”

But the scheme has attracted opposition from people concerned the new building was too large.

Bournemouth Civic Society chairman Ken Mantock said it did not fit in with any of the existing ones in the road.

“The submitted design, in comparison with a majority of new adjacent blocks, is completely out of character,” he said.

“We do not think it fits in in any way with either old or new buildings along the road and feel it is totally disingenuous for the it to claim that the new structure would be a visual advantage to the neighbourhood.”

Councillor Andy Jones said it was “out of keeping” and would erode the privacy of direct neighbours.

He called-in the application for consideration by BCP Council’s planning committee.

Despite this, a report by council planning officer Julie Allington, published ahead of the Thursday meeting of the committee, recommends that the scheme be approved.

“The character of the clifftop has changed significantly over recent years with many sites being redeveloped with modern flats,” her report says.

“Consequently, the character is quite mixed with both hipped roof properties and more modern flat developments.”

Councillors will make a final decision on the scheme next week.