CONSTRUCTION work has started on a new £8.7million council housing project in Kinson.

It will see 50 two, three and four-bedroom houses built on former playing fields adjacent to Duck Lane.

The aim is to create family homes for those currently on the council housing register, which currently has 2,250 applicants on the waiting list. The southern part of the site will be used for the homes and the north part of the project will consist of a community-use building, two acres of landscaped areas, cycle routes and a skateboard park.

Cllr Robert Lawton, cabinet member for housing, said that providing more affordable homes in Bournemouth is a top priority for the council.

“This is the largest house building development by the council since the 1980s and will provide much-needed family accommodation for those residents currently on the housing register,” he added. “This scheme will also give a boost to the local economy and provide jobs and apprenticeships.”

The project will comprise 42 three-bedroom houses, six two-bedroom houses and two four-bedroom houses. The construction is being carried out by Mansell Homes at an estimated cost of £8.7m. It is being paid for by investment from the Homes Communities Agency, prudential borrowing and developer contributions. Mansell Homes’ regional director, Guy Hayward, said: “We are delighted to be working with Bournemouth Council to deliver this landmark housing scheme.

“These homes will be highly sustainable, timber frame houses which will benefit families in Bournemouth for decades to come.”