PLANS to turn a vacant car showroom on one of Bournemouth’s busiest roads into retail space look set to get the green light, despite objections from local residents.

Fifty-six letters of objection have been sent to the Town Hall, including representations from two local councillors, opposed to revised plans for the Castle Lane West site.

But Bournemouth council’s senior planning officer Charles Raven will recommend on Monday that planning board members approve the controversial scheme.

One of the proposed units is a grocery convenience store and the second unit would be a comparison store.

Mr Raven said: “The current scheme proposes a vehicular entrance on Boundary Lane and a left hand turn exit only on to Castle Lane West.

“Other improvements include the extension of existing traffic/pedestrian islands on Castle Lane West and Boundary Lane, a controlled pedestrian crossing on Castle Lane West and an improved pedestrian crossing on Boundary Lane.

“A total of 23 street parking spaces would be provided, together with cycle parking for 22 bicycles. It is concluded that previous concerns relating to pedestrian and highway safety have been overcome and all other outstanding minor issues can be dealt with by conditions.”

Commenting on concerns over pedestrian and highway safety, inappropriate retail development and increased noise and disturbance, Mr Raven said: “There is no submitted evidence to suggest that the provision of retail stores will result in increased antisocial behaviour.

“The stores would serve the existing local residents and any passing trade.

“The hours of opening would be |restricted, as would delivery times, which will reduce the impact on residential amenity.”

He concluded that the development “would not materially harm the character or appearance of the area or the amenities of neighbouring and proposed occupiers and would be acceptable in terms of traffic safety and convenience.”