A BOURNEMOUTH councillor has attacked the planning system after a government inspector granted permission for a block of flats, gymnasium and shop in the town centre.

Inspector Paul Griffiths gave the scheme the go-ahead, despite the council's fears it would have a harmful effect on the character of the area and on nearby residents.

The neighbouring Norfolk Royale Hotel had also claimed the five-storey development, which also includes gardens and underground car parking, would affect guests' privacy and block sunlight from its garden.

Ward councillor Bob Chapman said: "I think it's gross over-development. Back land development like that is not very satisfactory and I'm very sorry that it has been allowed.

"I'm not happy with the decision. Once again the decision of the local planning department board has been overidden by the government inspector who doesn't have to live there.

"The council is aiming for a high standard of development in our town, yet it seems that every decision we make is being overridden by somebody."

But in his written decision, planning inspector Paul Griffiths said the current site between Bourne Avenue and St Stephen's Road was unattractive and would be improved by the development.

"I am of the view that, overall, the proposal would represent a significant improvement that would knit itself effectively into the fabric of the area, linking Bourne Avenue with St Stephen's Road, and replace what is currently an unkempt space that has no real rhyme nor reason," he concluded.

First published: October 18