THE derelict Oakdale Pub site in Poole could be redeveloped into a specialist residential, nursing and dementia care home.

Private care home provider Encore, part of the Quantum Group, has confirmed it has bought the site and that it is in discussions with Borough of Poole (BOP).

The company has also contacted residents living near the pub site, in Kingsmill Road, Oakdale, about their proposals to build.

Encore community engagement manager Tracy Melling said: "Our plans are still in the very early stages.

"We have not yet submitted a planning application, and we would like to reassure everyone that we will not start demolishing the building until our full planning application has been approved."

The Oakdale Pub was sold on by the EiGroup - formerly Enterprise Inns - several months ago.

Last year a proposal was submitted to BOP for planning permission to build five house and 27 flats, but no permission was ever granted.

Tracy said: "In the meantime and in the interests of public safety, we have boarded up the derelict site following concerns from neighbouring residents about anti-social behaviour and vandalism.

"We will be working closely with the local community on our proposals and have already sent individual letters to everyone living close by to introduce ourselves.

"We will continue to engage with the community and will keep everybody updated on our progress."

Encore has also confirmed that last year's application to build 32 homes on the site was not submitted by themselves, and that they only purchased the site a few months ago.

An Encore spokesman explained: "We design and purpose-build our own private homes to ensure they are beautiful and comfortable to both live and work in."

Encore's community engagement team say anyone with queries should contact them on 01202 531 635.