Shelley Manor plans given go-ahead

4.03.55pm BST (GMT +0100) Sun 21st May 2006

Long road: Lib Dems held out for best deal for Bournemouth's Heritage

Planning board has approved new plans for the restoration of Shelley Manor, providing

• a restored theatre and museum with public access

• community meeting rooms

• a medical centre

• a pharmacy and cafe

• flats with basement parking

'I would like to congratulate the applicant, all Council officers and the Friends group, for all their hard work that has brought around such a tremendous scheme,' said Councillor Mantock, Chair of Planning Board.

'After being empty for eight years, these revised plans are just what the site needs.'

The Boscombe Area forum also received a presentation from the developers and their architect, including an impressive computer model of the proposal.

'Local residents and your Councillors took the opportunity to challenge Charles Higgins Primary Trust over their commitment to the scheme, which was made very clear' says Councillor Chris Mayne.

'This is the result the Lib Dems locally have been pushing for all this time' says Councillor Andrew Garratt.

'The building will remain in use by the community as a medical centre, theatre, museum, and meeting rooms, and at no cost to local residents.

'On the contrary, the scheme, which includes flats, will result in a payment to the Council, a sizable part of which has already been earmarked as a matched contribution to community part of the scheme, which will be run by the Friends'