NEW plans have been submitted for the redevelopment of a hotel site in the centre of Bournemouth.

An application to build a five-storey block of flats and holiday lets in place of the Montague Hotel was approved last year, despite it having no ‘affordable’ homes.

And now the developer is seeking permission to increase the number of flats it can build.

Outline approval for a scheme of 20 flats and six holiday lets on the site was first approved in 2016 before Bournemouth council backed full plans at the end of last year.

Now Thomas Makin has submitted a new application, increasing the number of flats in the planned five-storey building to 25.

A planning statement submitted with the application says the scale of the development of the Durley Road South site fits in with the area.

“The proposed development will be of a similar scale to neighbouring buildings as well as the approved Wessex Hotel site and that of the proposed Durley Road car park development,” it says.

“The aspiration for this site is to create a high-quality development, using design features that create a modern yet sympathetic building that fits naturally within the local area and contributes positively to the conservation area.”

Most (25) of the flats would have two bedrooms while four would be one-bedroom and two would have three bedrooms.

Provision for 31 parking spaces – 12 of which would be underground – is included in the plans.

The others will mostly be provided at the back of the building.

A heritage statement submitted with the application says the development would improve the appearance of the area.

“The proposal will endeavour to restore, preserve and enhance the significance of the heritage asset in line with other proposed developments in the surrounding area,” it says.

The application will be considered by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council planning officers in the coming weeks.