PLANS to build 17 affordable homes on the controversial Poole town centre gyratory system have been approved by councillors.

Spectrum Housing Group’s application for 17 affordable homes on a brownfield site between West Quay Road and West Street was approved unanimously by Borough of Poole’s planning committee.

Terrace Row will have 11 two-bedroom apartments in a five-storey block and six three-bedroom family houses with gardens.

There will be a new access road and a row of lime trees, covered by tree preservation orders, will be felled to make way for a pedestrian and cycle link.

“The committee felt that the re-use of a derelict town centre site for much needed affordable housing was to be welcomed,” said Cllr Phil Eades, planning committee chairman.

“The provision of a route through the site for pedestrians and cyclists will assist east to west movement across the town centre.”

However improvements for walkers and cyclists to the gyratory is currently being consulted on by the council and fears were raised this would have an impact on highway safety.

Poole Old Town Conservation Group and the Vision for Poole Group said they supported the development of affordable housing ‘but object to the proposed road scheme’ and feared it would provide another through route on the gyratory.

Cllr Peter Adams, cabinet portfolio holder for health and wellbeing, said: “Securing affordable housing remains one of the council’s highest priorities.

“The regeneration area provides some of the best opportunities for us to meet Poole’s housing challenges.”

Stephen Dunhill, Spectrum’s director of development said work would begin in the autumn and take approximately 12 months and all the housing would be available to rent to those on the council's housing register.

“With over 4,000 people waiting for a home in the borough, Spectrum is absolutely delighted to deliver more homes for those in housing need,” he said.