DEVELOPERS have launched an appeal in their bid to build a major assisted living scheme in Poole – after the council failed to reach a decision within the appropriate time period.

Primetower Care Homes Poole is seeking permission to demolish the existing buildings at Park Place, North Road, and 19 and 21 Commercial Road and deliver 126 apartments, with support services and facilities.

A planning application was submitted to BCP Council in June last year for 131 homes and later amended, however, the local authority is yet to reach a decision on the development.

The applicants have now taken the opportunity to appeal to the planning inspectorate.

A statement submitted on behalf of Primetower Care Homes by Chapman Lily Planning says the council still has concerns over the scale of the proposal despite scaling down the plans for the site, which is near the Civic Centre and magistrates' court.

The statement says: "The design has been informed through a thorough appreciation of the character of the locality. The design is high quality, creating architectural interest in the street scene.

"The proposal will make a significant contribution to the identified need for specialist accommodation within Poole.

"No harm would arise in respect of neighbouring amenity. The development would provide the required number of off-street parking spaces."

In 2017, planning permission was granted to Primetower Properties for a development featuring 46 care apartments and 62 care rooms.

However, Primetower Care Homes Poole's proposal is larger in size, providing "indepedent but fully supported accommodation".

Should it get the green light, the development would include restaurants, communal lounges, resident’s spa complex, swimming pool, treatment and consulting rooms, hairdressing/beauty salon, library, arts and craft room, café, shop/news stand and a bowling green.

Objections were raised to the planning application through the council's website, including from community group Society for Poole, who say the proposal is "too dominant".

Further concerns have been raised by the local authority on the impact of the proposal on the character of the area.

A government-appointed planning inspector will assess the case and should reach a decision later this year.