PLANNING officials will decide whether to grant permission for developers to build a three-storey block of student accommodation in Bournemouth.

New Milton Property Limited are seeking permission from BCP Council to build a three-storey block in Wimborne Road.

The site, 381-383 Wimborne Road, is currently used as a car park and the application proposes removing the current 11 spaces for the building.

Thirteen cycle spaces will be created if the application is approved.

The development would have 13 student rooms, comprised of seven one-bedroom flats and six two-bedroom flats.

A design and access statement said: “The accommodation block will be accessed via an existing pedestrian walkway which runs along the south of 379 Wimborne Road.

“They will be accessed off a central hallway and are designed to be spacious.

“The building has been repositioned further away from existing properties to the rear.

“This is considered a positive solution following feedback received at pre-app stage.

“The development comprises student accommodation which will not result in an adverse impact on the character and amenity of surrounding uses, is accessible to Bournemouth Campus and makes provision for cycle parking.”

A couple of local residents have objected to the potential development, however.

Alan Dean said: “There are too many students accommodated in Winton to the extent that the area has become a student campus to the detriment of the residents of Winton, many of whom have families.

“Typically, these places are a source of low-level, anti-social behaviour, litter, late night rowdy parties and drunkenness. This is a residential area and it would be out of place and unfair to residents.”

Gary Parkes, who runs a business near the proposed development, said he was concerned about the disruption the works would cause.

He said: “My business has been closed, due to coronavirus since March 2020 and is not likely to open till June 2021.

“My staff come and go a number of times during the day whilst serving our customers also customers who visit my showroom and park on my own property will be affected.

“This is obviously already a big worry when we are already on our knees due to the damage the Covid shutdown has done to our business and were looking forward to opening very soon.”