CONTENTIOUS plans for a large waterside housing complex have been slated by the Poole Quay Forum (PQF).

London-based developer Reuben & Morgan Limited wants to construct 562 flats in eleven blocks of varying sizes at the two-hectare Poole town centre site.

The tallest tower block proposed is 13-storeys high

PQF, which was established in 2013 to develop a neighbourhood plan for central Poole and Hamworthy East, organised a public meeting on the proposals.

Forum chairman Bill Constance said: "The response was very clear.

"Of the 127 residents who viewed the plans and computer-generated images,123 were against the proposals and intent to object.

"As the neighbourhood planning forum we also view the proposal as too dense, too high and completely out of character for a sensitive site adjoining the conservation area.

"One resident from Lulworth Avenue, Hamworthy, who viewed the plans said the scheme looked like Bracknell, whilst another retired resident of Poole likened it to East Berlin."

Scores of residents have already submitted their comments on the complex, which is set for land on West Quay Road between Poole's two bridges, with the Borough of Poole (BOP).

Residents cite the scale of the proposed buildings, parking issues and the lack of real affordable housing for locals, among their reasons for concern.

However, the scheme - which includes a 10,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility for Poole Rowing Club - has received some support.

Developers want to include 188 flats for over 55s, with 378 for the open market.

A PQF spokesman said: "Despite being up to 13-storeys tall the developers also maintain that their viability calculations do not permit them to offer affordable housing to local people.

"Redevelopment of the former employment site would also reduce employment uses to just 3.5 per cent of the total area."

The planning application is likely to be heard by BOP next year.