PLANNING chiefs will consider contentious proposals tomorrow to demolish a house on the edge of two conservation areas, to make way for ten new flats.

Neighbours are mostly opposed to the plans, which, if agreed, would see a four-storey block being built on the plot located on the edge of Branksome Park Conservation Area and Chine Gardens Conservation Area.

Developer Avante (Western Road) Ltd is behind the application at 43 Western Road, Poole.

A previous scheme submitted for the same site was refused planning permission, on the grounds it represented overdevelopment.

However, this revised scheme, Avante says, reduces the site of hard standing and buildings by 32 per cent.

Borough of Poole (BOP) planning officers recommend planning committee members refuse these latest proposals.

A report from planning officer Eleanor Godesar concludes: "The proposal would significantly erode the balance between built form and natural landscape, resulting in a dominant form of development which fails to enhance or preserve the character and appearance of the Branksome Park Conservation Area."

Members, who will be acutely aware of the shortage of sites for new homes in Poole, will make their decision at BOP's planning committee meeting tomorrow afternoon.

Neighbours have already submitted a list of concerns to BOP.

Kathy Thompson, Burton Road, Poole, told the council's planning department: "The new proposal, which is the first of its type on this side of the road in the conservation area, is for a large, dominant flatted scheme of ten flats which cannot be supported.

"This will set a precedent for the development of other blocks of flats in the locality."

Meanwhile, neighbour Jennifer Landsbert, of Banks Road, Poole, said: "I am horrified by the proposal to demolish this handsome mock-Tudor house, which is clearly visible from the road and is an important part of the historic character of Branksome Park."

Mrs Landsbert said the block would "destroy the quiet, woodland atmosphere of the area by imposing huge, ugly blocks of flats on raised ground which would overlook and dominate the smaller houses all around."