PERMISSION is once again being sought to demolish an old hotel building in Mudeford and build an "unashamedly contemporary" block of flats.

Appletree Developments has submitted plans for a block of nine flats to replace The Pines. It said the block would be a “well designed” use for the land.

A previous application to demolish the building was refused by Christchurch council in 2013 but proposals to convert it into flats were approved two years later.

The developer said it had based its reasons to reapply to replace the building on the 2017 appeal decision in which the redevelopment of the Crooked Beam in The Grove was approved.

“Whilst all appeals are determined on an individual basis, it is the thought process and methodology applied in the Crooked Beam appeal which is of particular relevance,” a statement submitted with the latest application says.

It is hoping to secure permission to knock down the former hotel to allow a purpose-built block of flats to be built, rather than the existing conversion.

Should the application be approved, it would allow a three-storey block of nine flats to be constructed alongside ten parking spaces.

Plans submitted by the developer are based on the 2013 scheme.

It says the move was made as Christchurch council gave no reasons for refusal based on the scale or impact of the new building.

“The proposed development represents a well designed and attractive replacement for the former hotel,” the statement adds.

“The development would sit within a very varied but essentially residential setting wherein a new build and unashamedly contemporary building would serve to complement the existing building stock.

“Design forms in the immediate setting tend to reflect particular eras rather than local form and therefore the modern approach is entirely reflective of the continuation of this design approach.”

The application will be considered by BCP Council planning officers in the coming weeks.