A BUILDING in Upton could be demolished to make way for a block of up to 14 flats.

Dorset Council has been asked to approve the application for 4 Poole Road for Poole-based Stanborough Construction.

An outline consent for nine flats was approved for the site in May 2020.

It is currently occupied by a shop with an apartment on the first floor and a hardstanding and garden to the rear.

The new application, which agents say makes better use of the site, has attracted objections from several neighbours – one has claimed the scheme is an overdevelopment of the site and will affect privacy for neighbouring properties.

Other objections include extra cars in the area close to St Dunstan’s church and community centre where, it is claimed, there is already a shortage of space especially when funerals and weddings are held.

One resident, a structural engineer, has called for council officers to visit the site before making a decision.

She claims that the nature of the site could be problematic during the construction phase: “I am also strongly concerned about the access out onto the main Poole Road, having lived here for 16 years, I know how difficult it is and how careful you have to be because of all the pedestrians and school children.

"It is a very busy area with the Co-Op and being the main road into Upton."

The building is proposed to be four floors high under a pitched roof, which the developers say will fit in better with the area, with two flats in the upper level.

A statement from the planning agent said: “The proposal is considered to be acceptable in principle and makes effective use of a site that is currently underutilised.

"The proposals complement the surrounding area whilst contributing positively to the surrounding area."

A decision on the application, expected to be made by a planning officer, is anticipated by the first week in September.

Comments on the application, ref 2021/0041, on the Dorset Council website remain open.