SCALED-BACK plans for the controversial redevelopment of a historic Victorian mansion have been submitted.

Councillors refused an application to convert Wilderton House in Branksome Park into a block of 25 flats in January, raising concerns about the impact it would have on trees and on the heritage of the area.

Highdrive Property is now seeking permission for a smaller four-storey, 21-flat development although it has also appealed the decision made by Poole council.

Developers have described the existing building as “condemned” and say only four of the seven flats are “habitable” and that it was not viable to renovate the building.

Despite this, when members of Poole council’s planning committee considered the initial proposal in January, echoing concerns that the “limited benefits” were outweighed by the harm of the replacement building.

In a statement submitted with the latest application, which reduces the height of the building by a storey, the developer’s agent Daryl Howells says the new scheme “would clearly be wholly compliant” with council policies.

“The proposed building will not be dominant over the trees or the skyline,” he said.

“Notwithstanding that the proposed building will not be readily available from the roadside, the contemporary architecture shall reinforce the local distinctiveness.”

The proposals submitted to BCP Council include the provision of 33 parking spaces, mostly through a basement car park.

Twelve of the flats planned would have two bedrooms while the other nine would all be three-bedroom.

The statement adds: “The site provides an incredible and exciting design opportunity for a stunning new development.”

Planning officers at BCP Council will consider the latest application in the coming months.

A public inquiry to consider the appeal against the original decision of Poole council is due to take place either at the end of this year or early in 2020, the statement adds.