A NEW set of plans for nearly 100 flats on a large development site in Poole have been submitted.

The proposals, which have been put forward by Reefdene, would see more homes built on the former James Brothers steelworks site in Hamworthy.

The latest plans submitted by the developer are for 99 flats in three blocks on a southern section of the site, which fronts Station Road.

Poole council gave permission to Reefdene to build 60 flats in this area following a planning application in 2012, but the land has remained vacant.

The developer has already built two blocks of flats to the north of the site as part of its first approved scheme in 2008.

In 2017, developer Fortitudo also made an application for 96 flats on the southern section, which was approved, but the company withdrew its application last year.

Reefdene’s current scheme would be seven storeys in height, whereas Fortitudo had planned to build a 10-storey block as part of its scheme.

These new proposals feature 13 studio flats, 12 one-bedroom flats, and 74 two-bedroom flats.

The three buildings will have a contemporary appearance with flat roofs, according to a planning statement by Ken Parke Planning Consultants.

The development would also provide a total of 76 car parking spaces, some of which would be in an underground basement car park. Seven spaces would be provided with hook-ups for charging electric vehicles.

“This part of Hamworthy is currently undergoing significant change as it transitions from its industrial and mercantile past through predominantly residential redevelopment,” Ken Parke said.

“Redevelopment of other former factory sites in the area is in progress, including the Sydenham’s and former power station site which sit within a regeneration area.

“The proposals have been carefully designed to provide modern and attractive living space for residents without compromising on their amenity. The proposal will make a significant contribution towards the provision of housing on a highly sustainable site, which has long been committed for housing.”

However, local councillor Andy Hadley has already objected to the scheme.

He is concerned about the scale of the proposal, which he says “continues a trend of the extremely ugly external appearance of buildings in the area”.

“These will be the first buildings that visitors from overseas arriving on the ferries will see,” he added.

He also said it was a “huge regret that most of the outdoor space, including the southern aspect, is proposed to be laid to car parking, rather than as green utility/ play space for those occupying the flats.”

The plans are with Poole council, and a decision on the scheme, which is on one of the council’s main regeneration site, could be made by members of the planning committee.