CAMPAIGNERS have reacted with disbelief after developers won an appeal to build controversial flats in a leafy Ferndown suburb.

Residents were delighted last summer when district councillors went against their officers' recommendation and threw out proposals to demolish two houses and replace them with 12 flats in two three-storey blocks, linked by a glass walkway, in Golf Links Road.

But they are furious after a government inspector allowed Lymington-based Colten Development's appeal and granted planning permission for the development in the Special Character Area.

James Massey, of nearby New Road, told the Daily Echo: "I am very disappointed. We think this whole thing is going to change the character of the road.

"It's a peculiar system in my opinion. We go to the local council, they support us and refuse the development and then somebody from way out can come back in and say they can have it.

"We all appreciate there is a need for more housing but this type of development is not producing properties for first-time buyers - they are aiming for the top end of the market. It's purely a profit thing."

Cllr Queenie Comfort, who has previously hit out at the growing number of flats in the town, said: "We have sufficient flats in the area already and we do not need any more.

"In my opinion this particular development is rather ugly.

"I am sure everybody will be very upset."

Councillors felt a three-storey building was unacceptable, but inspector Michael Hetherington argued the main ridgeline would be one metre higher than the two existing homes on the site.

"This would not be a substantial change and, in my opinion, the resulting building height would remain in keeping with other dwellings in the street."

Mr Hetherington said the development would not harm the character of the area and he did not believe there would be difficulties for cars entering and leaving the site.

Adrian Otten, managing director of Colten Developments, said he was delighted but added: "It's a shame you have to go to planning appeal these days in order to get permission."