Plans to bulldoze a period property in the Charminster area of Bournemouth to make way for a flat block have been refused following a wave of protests.

Sixty householders signed a petition objecting to proposals to erect six flats in Lowther Road.

Bournemouth council's planning board heard how residents weren't against flat development but wanted to see "family friendly" accommodation on the site.

Local ward councillors also objected to the plans for one and two bedroom flats.

Board vice-chairman Cllr Ron Whittaker said he was concerned by the bulk of the proposed development and the "adverse effect" it would have on a neighbouring property.

"Frankly, I think the developer is trying to push in one too many flats," he added.

Cllr David Smith voiced concern over plans to develop the roof-space and moved that the application be refused.

"We are almost there, with a bit of fine tuning it could be acceptable," he said. Cllr Whittaker seconded the move.

But Cllr Mike Everingham said he felt officers had "just about got it right" even though he didn't like the development.

The move was carried by six votes to two.

But plans to build a flat block in another part of Charminster were given the green light.

Ten flats will be erected at Richmond Park Road. Planners heard how local residents had objected on the grounds that the development would "compromise safety" and could double the population of the cul-de-sac.

But the applicants stressed that there were no valid reasons to refuse the revised application.

Ward councillor Mark Anderson branded the plans "extreme over-development" and warned: "We are building the slums of the future."

Cllr Whittaker said he was horrified by the prospect of "roof-space living" incorporated in the plans.

Cllr Sue Anderson said she couldn't support the development adding: "It is the last remaining part of the road which is family orientated. It is going to completely ruin the area."

A move to approve the application was carried by six votes to four.