A LONG stalled site in Poole could finally see development of more than1,000 homes following a large cash injection from the government.

Borough of Poole has been awarded a share of £19.5million secured by the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership to build 1,350 homes on the former power station site at Hamworthy.

The 32-acre site has remained derelict since the power station was demolished in the early 1990s.

One of the main issues which has stalled development at the site is a 150,000 ton concrete cap which supported the turbine and boiler house and chimneys.

The Borough has been told it would cost millions to remove and fears have been raised that this could make it too costly to develop.

But now thanks to this funding plans to build more than 1,000 homes on the site can finally be delivered.

Cllr Ian Potter, cabinet member for planning and regeneration at Poole council, said: “We have been talking to the government in recent years about the viability of delivering housing on the former power station site, one of the largest brownfield sites in the South West.

"We are delighted that they have listened to our views and provided this welcome additional funding to bring this site forward.

"We are looking forward to working with the developer, Dorset LEP and the Homes and Communities Agency to build these much-needed new homes for local communities in Poole.”

In November 2015 developers Gallaghers/Lands Improvement Holdings withdrew its application for a mixed use development on the site – which included 1,350 new homes – claiming the scheme was "unviable".

As well as the homes, plans included a new public quay, food store, care home, retail and commercial unit.

Funding has also been granted to the council to upgrade Wallisdown Road in order to ease congestion in the area.

According to Dorset LEP chairman Gordon Page the project includes resurfacing and widening the carriageway and the introduction of a cycle lane.

Cllr Drew Mellor, cabinet member for transportation at Poole council, said: “Wallisdown Road is a very busy commuter route linking Bournemouth and Poole.

“This announcement is great news that will benefit all road uses in the area as it provides a package of improvements that will help ease congestion at peak times.”