A BID to redevelop the former B&Q site in Bournemouth has succeeded at the second attempt.

Revised proposals for the rundown, derelict site on Holdenhurst Road were given the green light by civic planners yesterday.

They include a new auditorium for Citygate church, which will be able to accommodate up to 750 people and 589 units of student accommodation.

Developer Watkin Jones saw its original scheme rejected for being too high, bulky and over-bearing.

But, in his report to councillors, planning officer Barry Carse said the new design was a vast improvement, adding: “This is a visually prominent site close to Bournemouth railway station. Because of this, it forms part of many visitors’ first view when arriving in the town centre.

“This site has always under-performed; in terms of its contribution to the appearance of the local built environment and the application presents an opportunity to rectify this.

“The design is bold and contemporary, with a built form that is tall enough to make a statement but, unlike the previous scheme, not excessively tall and bulky such as to have a dominating effect upon the local landscape and neighbouring buildings.

“The development will bring the site back into beneficial use by creating a new facility for the local community (church and associated facilities) as well as providing education-related accommodation which will benefit the local community.”

The planning board granted approval for the scheme by a unanimous 9-0 vote.

Welcoming the decision, Goadsby town planning and special projects director Peter Atfield said the development had been reduced to a maximum of six storeys.

He added: “It will be built to high environmental standards with grey water re-cycling. The developers are also contributing to CCTV coverage in the Lansdowne area.”