CONTROVERSIAL plans to demolish a mock Tudor mansion in the Branksome Park conservation area and replace it with a block of flats have been refused for the second time this year.

Described at Thursday’s meeting of Poole council’s planning committee as “a regurgitation of the 1960s”, the proposed four-storey block of 10 flats was turned down by councillors who said that it did not comply with any of its policies.

Previous plans to redevelop the site were rejected by councillors earlier this year due to concerns about it being "overdevelopment".

The application was called-in for consideration by the committee by its former chairman, Cllr Peter Pawlowski, following a request from the developer, Avante.

In a report, planning officer, Eleanor Godesar, said: “The proposal would significantly erode the balance between built form and natural landscape, resulting in a dominant form of development which fails to enhance, or preserve the character and appearance of, the Branksome Park conservation area.”

Neighbours had echoed this view with Jennifer Landsbert saying that it would “destroy the quiet woodland atmosphere of the area”.

Tom Whild, a planning consultant representing opponents of the application, said that there were “a number of issues” with the proposals.

“The public benefits of the scheme are limited to the delivery of a small amount of housing with no affordable housing contribution,” he said.

“This proposal will result in a significant increase in the built-up area of the conservation area.”

However, speaking at the meeting, architect Laurie Marlow described the existing house as “tired”.

“The house was once a fine residence but this is no longer the case,” he said.

“The redevelopment of the site will create a fantastic opportunity to replace a tired house and to replace it with new houses.”

Councillors voted to approve the recommendations made by planners that “the harm would not be outweighed by the economic and social benefits of providing 10 flats on the site”.

Addressing the developers, Cllr Judy Butt said: “This building doesn’t comply with any of our policies and it’s really a case of going back and trying again because you have failed dismally.”