THE developers behind a major housing and commercial development in Poole have been given the official go-ahead to start construction.

Atlas Partners’ £150m scheme for the Sydenhams Timber Yard site was given the nod of approval by Poole council’s planning committee in May, subject to referral to the Secretary of State.

This week, the plans were granted official planning consent by planning and regeneration manager Richard Genge.

The development will include 353 flats spread across seven buildings, the tallest of which will be 14 storeys. There will also be 2,333sqm of space for shops, restaurants, and workshops for start-up businesses.

The development will surround a central marina with capacity for 23 vessels. A public quayside walkway will be built, linking the development with the neighbouring Carter’s Quay housing site.

Guy Hammond, group managing director of Atlas Partners, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have finally secured consent for this large-scale redevelopment project.

“The timber yard is a key regeneration site within Poole. We are keen to get started: the first step is for us to allow Sydenhams ample time to relocate their business elsewhere within the town, but then our project team – which we’ve already appointed – is ready to go.”

Ernie Battey, chief executive at Atlas Partners, will head up the project team. A Poole resident himself, he is keen to see work start. “Our plans will see a thriving new destination created in Poole, one that is attractive to residents and businesses alike,” he said.

“We think this will kick-start wider regeneration within the town which, as a resident myself, is a very welcome move.”