CONTROVERSIAL plans for a large affordable housing complex at Poole’s former Gravel Hill police station have been recommended for approval.

The application to build 62 flats across three blocks of up to four storeys is set to come before the planning committee tomorrow - and it comes with advice from the planning officer to grant it.

A joint project between Borough of Poole (BOP) and Poole Housing Partnership (PHP), it would provide more than 60 affordable one and two-bedroomed flats at the Canford Heath Road site - including six flats for young people with severe mental and physical impairment. There would also be 87 allocated car parking spaces on the site - which abuts Montacute Special School.

The proposals have angered dozens of nearby residents who say it is too big and it will create dangerous traffic levels on already congested roads. There have been 80 letters of objection and a petition from 73 residents submitted to the council on the scheme with objections including excess parking, loss of privacy and noise. Neighbours are also concerned about the future of 67 protected trees on the proposed site.

In her report, planning officer Helen Harris said removal and replacement of 54 trees “will not materially affect the visibility into or out of the site".

She added: “Given the separation distances, ground levels and orientation, the proposals would not give rise to any material loss of amenities to any adjacent home by reason of shading; loss of light; loss of outlook; or loss of privacy.”

She concludes: “Overall the layout of the scheme, the position of the building and parking areas, and the relationship to trees, make the optimum use of the site. It brings forward much needed affordable housing, and it accords with the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework and local policy.”

She also recommends conditions are added about suitable landscaping and tree planting, sufficient protection for biodiversity, and adequate parking and turning “to ensure the scheme provides the best layout and design for the site.

Members of the planning committee will consider the plans on April 21 and are not bound by the recommendation of the planning officer in the case.