PLANS to bulldoze the Sea Witch Hotel and build a block of 12 flats in its place have been submitted to Poole Council.

Bournemouth businessman Richard Carr has ended months of speculation by sending in two identical applications for the prime Canford Cliffs site.

He hopes to get outline permission for a three-storey block of flats with basement parking.

But before his plans can be considered, he will first have to prove that the hotel is no longer viable.

Planning team leader David Jobbins said the council intended to ask external consultants to assess the past history and viability of the Sea Witch.

Local residents believe the hotel could be made a success and will be objecting to the plans.

Sally Carpenter, chairman of the Dorset Lake Residents' Association, said: "The local people don't want it and we will certainly have to support them. We have got to retain our amenities."

Mr Carr bought the Haven Road hotel with business partner James Dean last year and closed it immediately, saying the state of the kitchens broke health and safety laws.

Mr Carr was unavailable for further comment yesterday.