PLANS are in place to convert a former solicitors’ office in Bournemouth town centre into an 11-bed HMO. 

Developer Shore Investments is looking to revamp Clifton House, a Grade II listed building in Poole Hill, into a new housing block. 

Each bedroom of the four-storey tall building would have its own en-suite and would “meet the internal standards for HMO rooms in BCP Council”, documents reveal. 

In addition, future residents would have a ground floor lounge and kitchen and a first-floor kitchen. 

Darryl Howells Planning Consultancy, the agent for the applicant, said the loss of office space would result in job losses, but the former business occupier has since relocated to a new office in the area. 

The consultancy added: “If this application is approved, there remains ample office space in Bournemouth town centre so the economic growth of the town centre is not prejudiced.” 

It added: “It is considered that the submitted scheme creates a carefully balanced and attractive proposal which will respect the pattern and layout of development in the vicinity and preserve and enhance the character and setting of the conservation area.”