Fomer Poole boatyard before planners

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Poole boatyard scheme !

A multi-million pound scheme of residential and retail on the former Sunseekers boatyard in Poole goes before the planning committee this evening.

The site was bought by developer Nikal in August 2007 for £7.5million and they have submiited plans for five blocks, mainly of five storeys, comprising a 182-bed hotel, office space, retail units and 96 flats, including 25 "Manhattan" apartments - luxury Sunseeker-branded serviced flats aimed at the yacht manufacturer's wealthy clients.

On the ground level there will be shops, a public square and walkways leading to the redeveloped quayside with 25 moorings. The West Quay Road site plans were first unveiled at a public exhibition over a year ago, but have been scaled down in accordance with advice from Poole Borough planners.

There is basement parking for166 cars and the developers have promised to provide an on-site car club. A spokesman from the developers said that although the recession had had an impact, they were keen to move forward particularly now that the Twin Sails Bridge adjacent to the development was going ahead.

They also said they hoped to submit an application for full planning in spring 2010 with work starting in the autumn. Although there have been a number of objections to the size and scale of the scheme and the lack of parking, the planning officer dealing with the application has recommended that it be approved, subject to conditions.