THE company hoping to build a 340-dwelling waterside develop-ment at Hamworthy has been sent back to the drawing board by councillors who fear it would look like "Basingstoke-on-sea".

The development for the former Pilkington's Tiles site, in Shapwick Road, was an amended version of one which was deferred for further negotiation in July.

Poole council planning officers told the committee the developer had taken on board the concerns voiced at the last meeting.

The new proposal ditched an eight-storey tower and cut between one and three storeys off some of the other apartment blocks.

The officers recommended the planning committee grant the application, subject to a number of agreements, including the provision of 115 affordable homes and contributions of more than £800,000 towards infrastructure, recreation, improved educational facilities and a pedestrian and cycle link across the Hamworthy branch railway line.

But Hamworthy East councillors Mike White and Roger Gregory asked the meeting to refuse the development.

Cllr White said they should wait until the new bridge is committed before allowing any development that would increase traffic flows, and raised concerns about the height of the buildings.

"This development flies totally in the face of our own supplementary planning guidance," he said.

"It's going to look like Basingstoke-on-sea."

First published: November 19