AMBITIOUS plans to revamp Compton Acres and try and make it a "must see" attraction have won the backing of Poole's planning officers.

The proposals, which include adding a function room, restaurant, small shopping area and new garden area, will be recommended for approval at the next planning committee.

If councillors follow their recommendations, a programme of £2m investment into the world-renowned gardens over the next 10 months will be able to get fully under way.

Some residents had expressed fears that a new office block, which will be built within the gardens, would be too high and out of character with the area.

But the directors of Compton Acres agreed to reduce the height of the building and scale down their proposals to ease their concerns.

Planning conditions restricting hours of use for the new facilities will also be imposed so residents do not suffer from excessive noise or disturbance.

Andrew Sheppard, managing director of the gardens, said: "We are pleased that the steps towards our vision for Compton Acres are under way.

"The plans put forward will help put the gardens back on the map as a 'must visit' venue for Poole and to achieve this the introduction of new facilities and features is vital.

"Should we be successful with our application we can return the gardens to their original 1920s glory."

And Bernard Merna, director, said: "By adding features such as a restaurant and a series of small retail units, we will be able to attract visitors for the whole day, rather than just a couple of hours."