PLANS to convert a listed building in a high street into flats have been refused as officers say future residents would have ‘poor quality living conditions’.

The scheme, for 3 Grand Parade in Poole High Street, would have seen two one-bedroom flats created, while retaining but reducing the commercial space, currently occupied by Originals art gallery.

A studio flat on the ground floor would have been created in the 18th century former warehouse, with a one-bedroom flat spread over the first, second and third floors.

However, while developers Shore Architecture said the proposals would be a ‘light touch’ conversion of the Grade II listed building, BCP Council planning officers said they would be ‘materially harmful’ to the character and appearance of the area and listed building.

In a case officer’s report, a council officer said: “The proposed scheme would provide insufficient floor space within the proposed ground floor flat unit and this, coupled with the inadequate provision of natural light and daylight within it, would result in substandard and poor-quality accommodation, harmful to the amenity of future occupiers.”

Alongside these reasons for refusal, the scheme was also refused as it ‘would not mitigate the impact on heathland and harbour recreation’.

The application was met with objections from Poole Town ward councillor Mark Howell and from the Poole Quays Forum.

Cllr Howell said the town has a ‘shortage of small commercial units’, saying: “The Lower High Street needs more small units to create critical mass and encourage its transition to a vibrant independent leisure, retail and small business environment.

“The rear ground floor unit is an ideal commercial studio space, which is essentially its current use.”

The Quays forum said in its objection: “We have only recently considered proposals to convert and partially redevelop the adjoining Dibbens site to include what could be a thriving and charming courtyard with a through pedestrian route to the Quay.

“The rear ground floor part of 3 Grand Parade directly addresses this courtyard and should certainly be retained as part of that active commercial street-scene.”