THE next phase of a major housing development in Hamworthy is set to be given the go-ahead.

Poole council’s planning committee will be discussing plans for the Carter’s Quay site in Blandford Road at a meeting today.

The first stage of the development by Inland Homes has nearly been completed, with many of the new houses and flats already occupied. The finished scheme will see a total of 326 homes built, as well as units for restaurants, cafes, and a convenience store. It will also feature a public quayside area.

The development, which is based at the former Pilkington’s Tiles site and part of the borough’s Regeneration Area, will include 58 starter homes – the first of their type to be approved in the country.

Two blocks will be built containing flats offered at a 20 per cent discount to first-time buyers, as per the government’s scheme.

If approved by planners, the current proposals will see four more blocks built, ranging in height from four to eight storeys, and featuring 62 one-bed flats, 96 two-bed flats, and three three-bed flats.

The development will border the Sydenhams site, which is also earmarked for a large housing and retail scheme featuring 353 homes and a new marina.

In a report to the committee, planning officer Caroline Palmer said the scale of the Carter’s Quay development was “justified in this location”.

“The focal point for the development is a new, publicly-accessible, quayside public realm. The layout of the buildings has been arranged to ensure permeability and provide sightlines through to the quayside,” she said.

The plans for the quayside area include colours “inspired by the Carters Tile design, using flowing shapes to add interest”.

Carter’s Quay, along with other proposed developments in the area, including Sydenhams, will create a new quay wall that will protect parts of Hamworthy which are currently susceptible to flooding.

Ms Palmer said this was regarded as a “community benefit offered by the development”.

She added: “Within any regeneration scheme compromises have to be made and this is no exception. However, the benefits to the regeneration of the area and the borough will bring forward new housing, jobs and economic growth that will positively create investment to the area and the town centre.”