A DEVELOPER has tabled new plans for the major redevelopment of a hotel site at Poole Quay.

Previous proposals for 228 flats in four blocks, a 118-bed hotel and multiple commercial units were rejected by BCP Council’s planning committee in 2021.

Property developer MHA appealed this decision but a planning inspector dismissed the appeal over the scheme for the Poole Quay Hotel site, which was previously known as the Thistle Hotel.

Now the firm has submitted a fresh scheme, which it says has taken on board objections and reasons for refusal.

The new plan features 179 apartments, with the four residential blocks having a reduced footprint.

The block nearest Dolphin Quays has been reduced in size by around 50 per cent, the two central blocks have been reduced in height, with an additional step down towards the quay.

Designs for the block at the rear of the site are further away from existing trees and hotels.

MHA said the boutique hotel, with restaurant and bar, remains a “key element” of the plan. Its height and massing have been reduced, but the number of rooms has increased.

Andi Kercini, head of development at MHA, said: ”We’ve taken time to reflect on the feedback we received from councillors, and the comments made by the Inspector on our original design.

“We’ve addressed every single point they raised and are now returning with proposals that are on a smaller scale and better reflect the setting.

“We remain committed to this site. The location couldn’t be better and there is a great opportunity here to deliver new homes and first-class facilities for Poole. And we believe we can do that in a manner entirely sympathetic to our neighbours’ amenity.

“The hotel is reduced in height and has a much better relationship with the homes on Ballard Road; the residential block next to Dolphin Quays is now half the size and set back significantly.

‘We’ve done what’s been asked of us and we look forward to making a success of this development.”

In relation to the refused proposal, BCP Council's planning committee objected to the height and bulk of some of the buildings, a lack of affordable housing and claimed the re-worked site would bring extra traffic problems to the area as well as overshadow existing housing.