COUNCILLORS have approved the next phase of a major housing development in Hamworthy, which will see 161 homes and a public quayside area built.

Poole council’s planning committee voted unanimously in favour of the proposals for the Carter’s Quay development in Blandford Road, despite some concerns over the amount of open space featured in the plans.

The first stage of the development by Inland Homes has nearly been completed and features a combination of 103 houses and flats.

The plans for the former Pilkington’s Tiles site were approved on Thursday and will see four new blocks built, containing 62 one-bed flats, 96 two-bed flats, and three three-bed flats.

The finished development will include space for restaurants, cafes, and a convenience store.

Bill Constance, chair of Poole Quays Forum, said while he “congratulated” Inland Homes for being the first developers to build on Hamworthy’s regeneration sites, he had “major concerns” about the amount of open space provided.

He said the forum objected to a central courtyard in the development being closed off to the public.

However, a representative from Inland Homes said this area was a “private amenity space” for residents and would be closed off for security reasons. He added the scheme featured a bigger public realm area than the one approved in the outline planning application in 2012.

Committee members praised the scheme before approving the next phase, with Cllr Ron Parker saying it was a “good scheme and the best we can do on this site”.

Chairman of the committee, Cllr Andy Garner-Watts said residents were “entitled to private space”, adding the development was “well thought out”.

Carter’s Quay borders the Sydenhams site, which is also earmarked for a large housing and retail scheme featuring 353 homes and a new marina.

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.

When completed, the developments, including one at the former power station site, will have a connected public realm.