FRESH plans for nearly 100 flats at a former steelworks site in Hamworthy have been submitted by developer Richard Carr.

The scheme at Station Road, where James Bros was based, would see 96 one-bed and two-bed flats built across two blocks.

The vacant site has been the focus of a number of similar schemes over the years, which have yet to get off the ground. The most recent of these was granted approval in 2012, revised in 2016, and involved 60 apartments.

The latest proposals, which would attract a Community Infrastructure Levy of nearly £500,000, include one block of 51 flats up to 10 storeys high and a second, six storey block of 45 flats.

Each flat comprises an open plan lounge, kitchen and dining room area, and access to a private balcony.

Both blocks would have a basement and undercroft car park containing 94 spaces, as well as further spaces off Station Road and cycle storage.

Brett Spiller, of agents Chapman Lily Planning, said: “The surrounding area is undergoing significant change, with new development in construction on part of the former Pilkington Tiles site and proposals coming forward for the development of the adjoining regeneration area.”

He said the proposal would “revitalise a stalled brownfield town centre site to deliver much-needed homes in a highly accessible location”.

He added: "The principle of residential development on the application site has been firmly established through the grant of previous planning permissions and is entirely in line with the Development Plan and the spirit of the recently published White Paper.

“In order to meet the housing challenge and deliver a step change in delivery, the council published a background paper on tall buildings. This indicated that tall buildings might be brought forward across a wider area, including on the Hamworthy peninsular.

“Whilst the area did not encompass the site, with attention focussing on the regeneration area sites, there is nothing to suggest that a tall building would not be appropriate.”

The application has so far attracted two objections from nearby residents.

One neighbour objected to the application over concerns about the height of one of the blocks and increased traffic in Station Road.