STRONG objections have been made to proposals to build a social housing development on open land in Merley.

The former youth centre site off Chichester Walk is an area identified for affordable housing by the Borough of Poole. The public have been invited to give their views on Sovereign’s plans for three blocks of one, two, and three-bed homes by February 7.

The vast majority of residents who have responded to the consultation have voiced concerns over traffic issues and the loss of green space used by children and dog walkers.

Maureen Lewis said: “It is completely inappropriate for the area and will cause traffic issues in an already overcrowded cul-de-sac. "

Residents have also shared the concerns of Debbie Benjafield, manager of Down in the Woods pre-school, that the development would aggravate parking issues in the road, particularly at school drop-off and pick-up times.

Lisa Cluett said: “There has been a lot of controversy over this land and whether it can be built on. The surrounding roads cannot cope with the extra traffic these houses will bring. The access is across a very well-used public footpath, causing danger to pedestrians. There is on average 20 cars dropping off and collecting from the pre-school who will not have anywhere to park and safely get their children to the pre-school.

“Access for emergency vehicles will be seriously compromised for these houses and, more importantly, for the pre-school.”

In a statement on behalf of Sovereign, Giles Moir, of Chapman Lily Planning, said the development of the site for affordable homes would make a “significant contribution” towards the council’s aim of delivering 100 homes on land it has made available.

The plans are for 15 properties arranged as six three-bed units, eight two-bed units, and a one-bed coach house.

“In addition to the 28 spaces provided for the residential development as part of the access arrangements for the site, four spaces will be provided for the staff working at the adjacent nursery. This provision replicates the existing layout,” Mr Morris added.

At a council planning meeting last month, a report to cabinet members stated the shortage of homes in the borough was “acute”, with nearly 1,000 households currently on the housing register and families in temporary accommodation including bed and breakfast.

In 2014, hundreds of residents signed a petition against Raglan Housing Association's plans for 13 affordable homes at the site.