PLANS to demolish the former Dormy Hotel in Ferndown and build 150 residential homes for the over-60s in its place have been rejected.

East Dorset District councillors heard yesterday that the 8.5-acre site, between new Road and Golf Links Road, lies within 400m of Parley Common, a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

In rejecting the proposal by a majority vote, councillors said they were concerned about the bulk and size of two large blocks, four storeys high, in the centre of the proposed plan.

They also wanted a site of that size to offer mixed community accommodation with a range of sizes and type of accommodation.

They had been advised that the applicant had offered money towards affordable housing elsewhere, but not on the site.

Plans submitted by Banner Homes showed that facilities on site would also include a swimming pool, restaurant, hairdressers, gym, small shop area, and concierge service.

Two residents spoke to the meeting to lodge objections to the plan, which the meeting heard had a "gothic style" of design.

One New Road resident warned the plan, if granted, would "open the floodgates to other developments" to build so close to the heath.

There were also concerns about the new properties overlooking existing homes, parking and the loss of trees.

Two representatives speaking on behalf of Banner Homes stressed the benefits of the scheme, suggesting that although the site itself was within 400m of the heath, the buildings were not.

But Cllr Derek Burt said was concerned that if granted Natural England would have strong grounds to ask for the item to be taken to enquiry.

Cllr Toni Coombs said she could not support the application. "Here we are creating to all intents and purposes an elderly ghetto," she said of the age restriction suggested.

Other councillors said they did not like the design and could not agree that once a person was over 60, they were less mobile.