A BID by former Saints manager Harry Redknapp to demolish a hotel and build flats is earmarked for rejection.

It is the second application by Pierfront Developments Ltd, directors Harry and his wife Sandra, to knock down the former Belgravia Hotel at 56 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, which currently contains 24 bedsits.

The last was refused at a planning board hearing in February after tenants made a heartfelt plea to retain their home, and members agreed the c1870s building was of sufficient architectural value to justify retention within the East Cliff Conservation Area.

As previously reported, a second scheme with a reduced scale for the replacement building has been submitted, and is due to be discussed by the board on Monday.

Officers have recommended refusal. A report by Tom Hubbard says: "The building is a good example of a Victorian villa of the time, sits well within its plot architecture and benefits from a wealth of original features.

"The key alteration is to the roof but as this was carried out in the 1930s in a not unsympathetic manner.

"Even the heritage statement, submitted by the applicant, acknowledges this alteration as ‘broadly sympathetic’ and that the building still contributes positively to the conservation area."

Also, the report says the council has "no record of any complaints about noise or antisocial behaviour from the property" and that the proposed replacement four-storey block of 21 mostly two-bedroom flats, and three houses, is "still not in keeping with the character of the conservation area".

The scheme has support, however, from ward councillor Michael Filer, who called for it to be discussed by the board rather than just dismissed by officers.

"The plans under review are a reduced number of units from the recent failed application," he said in a letter.

"This area really needs two-bedroom homes and rebuilding to provide 22 (sic) new, good quality homes provides what is needed."

However Bournemouth Civic Society has been more scathing.