THE developer behind controversial plans for a casino and restaurant complex in Bournemouth has insisted he will complete the project, despite a series of delays.

Trevor Osborne has had to apply for an extension to his planning permission after unforeseen delays prevented him from starting work on the Pavilion Gardens project within the three-year time limit.

The scheme was put on hold while Bournemouth council and landowner the Meyrick Estate finalised a complicated land swap agreement.

Mr Osborne said: “This application to extend planning permission follows delays which were not of our making but we remain determined to make this development a reality.

“We’ve made the most of the extra time to polish the plans further, including better lift access and slight changes to the internal floor plans but the overall appearance of the Pavilion Gardens project remains the same. “Pavilion Gardens will transform Westover Road, bringing huge economic investment at a much-needed time and creating hundreds of jobs.”

Despite the delay, Bournemouth council has been able to press ahead with some aspects of the Pavilion’s restoration, replacing the roof and dance floor in the historic ballroom and securing investment in the catering outlets there.

The casino was always the most controversial aspect of the scheme, especially when it was revealed that the deal with the Trevor Osborne Property Group was signed on the day of the last local election.

An official investigation was ordered by the new Tory administration, which concluded there had been no wrong-doing by officers or councillors.

A new planning application has been submitted by the Trevor Osborne Property Group and will be considered in due course.