CONTROVERISAL proposals to convert a former nursing home in Talbot Woods into 12 bedsits have been unanimously rejected.

The property in Glenferness Avenue is already being used as a house of multiple occupation (HMO), but an attempt to formalise this change of use was fiercely opposed by residents.

Bournemouth’s planning committee were unanimous in refusing planning permission, to the delight of Talbot and Branksome Woods councillor Andrew Morgan.

He said: “We argued very strongly that an HMO would damage the character of the conservation area.

“We fought very hard to get conservation area status for Meyrick Park and Talbot Woods and it was felt this would undermine all the work that had been done.

“I was particularly concerned that there could be all sorts of comings and goings which would potentially impact on the local community.

“There was a good level of community involvement and people really got themselves involved. It was a good outcome for residents.”

The application was to turn the building into 12 bedsit units and one self-contained flat.

Architects had argued there would be no need for external alterations so it would not have a negative effect on the character of the area. But it prompted 32 letters of objection, including one from the Talbot and Branksome Woods Residents’ Association.

It was turned down on the grounds the development was out of character and would have an adverse impact on residential amenity.