AMENDED plans to build homes on the car park of a Christchurch pub have been recommended for refusal.

Members of BCP Council’s planning committee will be asked to reject the proposals for the Starre Inn in Purewell, now known as the Smugglers' Run, over concerns including the flood risk and road safety issues.

A report by council planning officer Sophie Mawdsley says these are not outweighed by the “modest contribution” of four new homes.

Developer Amirez Ltd originally applied for permission to build four houses and three flats on the site but scaled back its plans in a bid to overcome concerns.

In a statement filed with the application when it was submitted last year, it said the neighbouring pub was “not reliant” on having a car park and that the land could be developed.

It said there was an “identified need” for smaller homes in the area and that the design was “sympathetic” to the character of the area.

The application has received more than 20 letters in support but has been opposed by Christchurch Town Council over concerns about the scale of the scheme and about the loss of parking.

The latter point was also raised by council highways officers who said that although there was a public car park nearby, pick up and drop offs were likely to be made outside the pub, close to the junction.

“As the development proposals result in the removal of all car parking associated with the [pub], this presents a safety risk for dropping off and picking up of patrons which would likely occur within close proximity of the signalised junction,” a report says. “The operation of the development would present an increased risk of collisions between vehicles and pedestrians.”

Concerns were also raised about the access to the development, the design of the development and the impact it would have on the designated Purewell conservation area.

An objection was also made by the Environment Agency due to “the significant risk” occupants of the development would have from flooding.

As a result of these issues, council planning officer Sophie Mawdsley has recommended that the planning committee refuse planning permission when it considers the scheme at its meeting on Thursday.

“The development would make a modest contribution to the housing supply,” her report says. “However the flood risk constraints on the site, the harm caused to the heritage assets, the inadequate accommodation proposed and highway safety implications clearly outweigh this benefit.