CONTROVERSIAL plans for a large affordable housing complex at Poole’s former Gravel Hill police station have been given the go-ahead.

The application to build 62 flats across three blocks of up to four storeys was approved by the Borough of Poole's planning committee last week despite objections from dozens of nearby residents.

On Tuesday, the full council also gave its approval "in principle" to the plans.

A joint project between Borough of Poole (BOP) and Poole Housing Partnership (PHP), it will provide more than 60 affordable one and two-bedroomed flats at the Canford Heath Road site - including six flats for young people with severe mental and physical impairment.

There would also be 87 allocated car parking spaces on the site - which abuts Montacute Special School.

A proportion of the flats will be made available on the rent to buy scheme, meaning some residents will have the opportunity to purchase their property after five years.

At the meeting concerns were raised about whether this kind of development would lead to an increase of crime and disorder in the area and whether the height of the building would impede on the privacy of nearby residents.

A majority of committee members said they believed the scheme would help fill a gap for much needed affordable housing in Poole.

Chairman of the committee Peter Pawlowski said: "The buildings are large and I can understand some people's concerns but having said that the buildings aren't visible to anyone on the street.

"I think the developers have utilised the landscape in an excellent way."

Cllr Karen Rampton, cabinet portfolio holder for housing and community services, said: "Enabling the development of affordable housing in Poole is a top priority for the council and this scheme will help provide 62 urgently needed properties."