Transformation of historic Sandbanks hotel into block of flats will turn exclusive resort into a new Benidorm say well-heeled residents

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Residents living in a posh peninsular fear redevelopment of a hotel will transform it into Benidorm.

The 138-year-old Haven Hotel stands at the gateway of the millionaire's row at Sandbanks in Poole, Dorset, whose famous residents include former football managers Harry Redknapp and Graeme Souness and computer magnate Sir Peter Ogden.    

Developers now want to bulldoze it and turn it into a six-storey apartment building which would then pay for the redevelopment of another hotel on the posh peninsula. 

Initial plans submitted last year were met with outrage from well-heeled residents who formed a protest movement, Protect Sandbanks Group.

Protesters believe the apartment block would make Sandbanks resemble a British version of  Benidorm, a Spanish resort known for its high rises and partying-culture.

The local council received more than 2,300 objections from people who described the block of flats as a 'monstrous carbuncle' that would overlook the multi-million pounds harbourside mansions. 

A CGI image of what the the Sandbanks Hotel would look like if it was redeveloped into a new 185-bedroom hotel

The Haven Hotel would be turned into an apartment complex if plans go ahead. Pictured a CGI image of what it could look like

Richard Carr believes if the Haven Hotel is not redeveloped it would end of becoming a two-star venue.  Pictured is an CGI image of the hotel included in the plans 

Developer Richard Carr revealed the revised plans on behalf of the owner of the three hotels, FJB Hotels. 

If plans are given the green light, the Haven Hotel would be turned into an apartment complex, the Sandbanks Hotel would be redeveloped as a new 185-bedroom hotel and the Harbour Heights would become an 38-apartment hotel and spa. 

Despite developers scaling scheme back from what was a 10 storey block in the initial plans to a six storey one -  objectors still fear it is overdevelopment.

The revised plans include drawings for a six-storey building on the Haven site at Poole Harbour, which is no taller than the current hotel.

Richard Carr hopes that the revised plans he submitted on behalf of developer FJB Hotels will  'appease' objectors

Protect Sandbanks Group Chairman David Morley said the updated plans would still involve the loss of the Haven Hotel and the 'overdevelopment' of the area.

He said: 'We'd like to reserve judgment as we have not seen any of the details, just a few images specifically selected by the developer.

'It does still seem to involve the loss of the historic hotel on the Haven site and speaking to members of our group and residents that is a major issue.

'The development would involve the loss of a historic asset, the loss of a local amenity and the overdevelopment of the area.

'We have not been consulted at all by the developer even though we have tried to engage to meaningful conversation with them, which is regrettable.'

Sandbanks historian Jeremy Waters, 78, said the revised plans were a 'major improvement' but expressed concern at the loss of the Haven Hotel.

He said: 'It's a significant improvement on what was proposed before as in my view the huge tower at the entrance to the harbour was one of the major drawbacks.

'You are still dealing with the loss of a major historical asset to Sandbanks but these plans are a step in the right direction and I'm cautiously optimistic something acceptable could emerge.'  

Mr Carr said he hoped the updated plans would 'appease' objectors and the major redevelopment was necessary to stop the hotels falling into disrepair and becoming 'two-star' venues.

He said: 'There were a substantial number or reservations about certain aspects of the proposed plans.

'We have worked tirelessly with the local authority to revise and look at all of the objections and have been very pragmatic in our approach to appeasing those objections where we have been able to do so.

'Council officers have also worked very hard with us. The drawings have been amended according to their wishes where we have been able to do so.

Protesters believe that the transformation of the Sandbanks Hotel would make it resemble a British version of Benidorm

The exclusive British seaside resort of Sandbanks in Poole is home to many famous names including former football managers

'Save Sandbanks!' banners have been put up around the exclusive seaside resort in protest of the proposals

The millionaires row at Sandbanks is where engineer Guglielmo Marconi established the first wireless

The history of Sandbanks Hotel and the Haven Hotel (pictured in a CGI image) date back to the Victorian times

A selection of CGI images of the new development were included in resubmitted plans for it 

'New drawings have all gone in, all of the consultants reports have been amended.

'Hopefully what will be the final scheme for the three hotels is now with them (Borough of Poole Council).

'We have paid particular attention to the neighbours of the Haven Hotel and their objections and I'm hoping the new drawings will appease most of the people who had meaningful objections.

'It is a simple as this, to do nothing is not a choice. If the shareholders of the FJB group were to do nothing then the Harbour Heights, the Sandbanks and the Haven Hotel would end up as two star venues.

'In particular the Haven Hotel has a structural life that is coming to an end.

'I am hoping the new drawings should appease most of the objectors.'

Poole Borough Council confirmed they have received the revised plans which will be open to public consultation soon.

Sandbanks  is where engineer Guglielmo Marconi established the first wireless.