PROPOSALS to demolish an "ugly" and "old" tyre garage and an "outdated" retail unit to build 14 flats in Poole have been approved.

Members of BCP Council's planning committee gave the green light on the scheme for 51-55 Commercial Road, Ashley Cross, which includes the Tyreland premises.

Applicant Amirez Ltd has been given permission to bulldoze the existing properties and put up a three-storey building comprising of one-bed flats, subject to community infrastructure levy contributions.

The plans had been called in for a committee decision by Cllr Ann Stribley, who felt it was overdevelopment, overlooking, unneighbourly and had a shortage of parking.

However, a report by planning officer James Gilfillan recommended it for approval and councillors supported this view.

Mr Gilfillan's report said: "The scheme delivers residential accommodation in the sustainable transport corridor that can support and take advantage of local services, facilities, public transport and infrastructure.

"By replacing a tradable feature, the design of the proposed building would enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area.

"Concerns regarding the shortfall of parking would be outweighed by the benefits for highway safety from the closure of the existing accesses and closure of the commercial activities, especially given the one-bed size of the flats proposed.

"Any perceived overlooking from the proposed flats would be outweighed by the benefits of the loss of disturbance and nuisance caused by the existing tyre garage."

Thirteen residents raised concerns about the plans, highlighting a range of issues including the height of the development, lack of parking and impact on local services.

BCP Council's highways department said the closure of commercial access and the safety benefits this delivered outweighed the shortfall of four parking spaces in the plans.

A statement from the applicant read at the committee meeting said the scheme will provide a "high-quality, well-designed building".

It added: "We are seeking to replace an ugly, old, tired industrial building, along with an outdated empty shop, that do nothing to contribute to the fantastic conservation area and architecture of the locality."