PARENTS are calling on councillors to reject plans for flats next to their children's school.

Redstone Homes plans to flatten a £250,000 bungalow, known as "caretaker's cottage", to make way for a two-storey block of six flats.

It is the sixth attempt to redevelop the site in Lordswood Road in 21 months.

Planning officers threw out the most recent scheme because of its impact on a neighbouring house and the proposed living conditions.

But they are now recommending councillors pass the plans for the block, which will overlook Hollybrook Infant School, after changes were made.

Worried mum Penny Hastings, 47, whose six-year-old son goes to the school, said: "I don't think anybody agrees it's the best use of the site given there is a school next door on a very cramped site.

"We want the local education authority to buy the site and make it into a pre-school or green space."

Hollybrook head teacher Julia Preston said: "The overlooking of the playground is a big concern. We have so many issues with security."

Mrs Preston said there were also worries about extra traffic causing a safety hazard for children.

"After six goes we hope if the plans are refused we might be able to persuade the council to consider purchasing the land."

The school and parents are also angry that the developer has failed to consult them.

Eight objections were made to the plans, claiming that the design was poor and out of character with the area, that six car parking spaces was too few and that the proposals amounted to an overdevelopment.

Bournemouth based Redstone Homes said it didn't feel it was relevant to comment on the objections.