PLANS for a major redevelopment scheme on the site of a Bournemouth car park looks set to win approval from civic leaders.

Sixty-two apartments could be built at Leyton Mount on Madeira Road over five floors, along with commercial space.

Bournemouth Development Company, a partnership between the council and Morgan Sindall Investments Ltd, is also seeking permission for restaurant and cafe use as well as an outside terrace area, replacement public toilets and 54 parking spaces.

In a report to Monday’s planning board meeting, planning officer Steve Davies will recommend that the scheme is approved.

He says: “The scale of the development has been significantly reduced and is now considered appropriate in this setting.

“The use of coloured panels symbolise the seasonal changes of Horseshoe Common and are considered to represent an appropriate backdrop to the open space.

“The site is in a sustainable location for access to public transport and a wide range of shops and facilities.

“The mixture of residential and commercial uses is appropriate for the site and will help to create an active and welcoming frontage to this part of Old Christchurch Road.”

Four letters of objection have been sent to the Town Hall including representations from English Heritage and the Bournemouth Civic Society.

The council’s own conservation and landscape officers have voiced concern over the proposals, citing the harmful effects of the height of the proposed development, its impact on views of the site and the loss of trees.