DOZENS of houses and flats are set to be built on a former Boscombe coal yard.

Outline proposals submitted by Brightmark Limited to redevelop the site off Ashley Road are being recommended for approval ahead of the meeting of Bournemouth council’s planning board on Monday, September 17.

The derelict coal yard was taken over by campaigners from Occupy Homeless Sanctuary at the beginning of the year before being cleared in March after an eviction notice was issued.

Now Bournemouth council planners are recommending that outline permission for 60 homes and flats be granted next week.

Part of the land, south of the railway line, is used as a car wash with most of the site unoccupied since the coal yard closed 15 years ago.

A statement submitted by the developer with the planning application says: “The proposal will make a significant contribution to the overall supply of housing land within the borough without requiring the release of additional green field or green belt land for development.

“The proposals will ensure that the amenities of existing residents are protected and will secure a high standard of amenity for future residents.”

The development would be a mix of 60 flats and houses with building varying from two to four storeys in height.

As the application is for outline permission, no details about any affordable housing provision within the development have been published.

The scheme has been supported by Bournemouth council planning officers who are recommending that the planning board give the proposal the green light.

A report to the planning board says: “Having considered the appropriate development plan policy and other material considerations, it is considered that, subject to compliance with conditions, the development would not materially harm the character or appearance of the area, or the amenities of neighbouring and proposed occupiers and would be acceptable in terms of traffic safety and convenience.”

A decision on whether to grant outline permission for the scheme will be made at Monday’s (September 17) meeting of the planning board.