PLANS to build four blocks of flats to deliver 211 homes on land surrounding a Bournemouth town centre car park have been revealed – months after planners dismissed a major student housing scheme for the site from the same applicants.

Summix RGB Developments and Sheet Anchor have launched a second bid to redevelop areas around the Richmond Gardens car park.

The latest scheme features a mix of homes from studios to three-bedroom apartments in blocks up to 12 storeys high, with ground-floor space for a coffee shop.

The initial plans for accommodation for 625 students through three blocks up to 15 storeys were rejected by Bournemouth Borough Council's planning committee in March, despite an approval recommendation from officers.

A spokesperson for Summix and Sheet Anchor said their new scheme, which is being assessed by BCP Council, is an opportunity to "generate a positive transformation and regeneration of an unappealing and underutilised site".

“We are pleased to bring forward these proposals for land at Richmond Gardens to help meet a growing need for sensitively designed, high-quality build-to-rent accommodation in Bournemouth," said the spokesperson. “Over the past few months we have consulted with a wide range of local stakeholders to seek their feedback on the proposals, including more than 800 local residents, representative groups, businesses and members of BCP Council.

"We would like to thank everyone who took the time to participate in the consultation and provided their valuable feedback.

“We are continuing to work closely with officers at BCP Council as the application progresses through the planning system and expect it to be determined in the coming months.”

The new proposals for the site consist of a build to rent development with the dedicated commercial space on the ground floor.

The applicants say they have carefully considered alternative uses for the land that would be more acceptable to the community and stakeholders after the student housing scheme was turned down.

However, Bournemouth Central ward councillor Mike Greene said he has concerns about the fresh scheme.

"Of course we prefer a proper residential scheme to student housing – it would be far better for the area," said Cllr Greene.

"We will support them on that but it doesn't get away from the issues that remain with height of the buildings with the impact on the surrounding area and on car parking provision. Until they sort these areas it will be difficult for them."

While the developers have submitted the new scheme, they have also launched an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate over the refusal of the student housing plans. A hearing date on this challenge has been set for January 21, 2020.