WORK is underway to build a new service station on a site which caused huge controversy in Poole, when it was earmarked as a potential travellers transit camp more than five years ago.

The Marshes End site, off Safety Drive, Poole, will be redeveloped as a Shell petrol station, and will also include a convenience store, sandwich bar and automatic car wash and jet wash facilities.

Diggers have already moved onto the plot, which was used as unlicensed landfill in the mid 1970s, and it is hoped the service station may be open before Christmas.

Back in 2014 there were angry scenes at Poole Civic Centre as around 200 people attempted to access an emergency Borough of Poole (BOP) meeting, which ended with the council backing proposals for two controversial traveller transit sites.

However, weeks later when the proposals went before BOP's planning committee, the entire scheme, including the Marshes End site, was thrown out.

Creekmoor Cllr Judy Butt, who campaigned against the transit site at Marshes End back in 2014, has been working for the past couple of years to get the land, which is classed as contaminated, redeveloped.

She told the Echo: "I am absolutely delighted that we have got a sound use for this land, and we have bicycle and pedestrian access from the Creekmoor community onto the site.

"The brilliant thing about it is the job opportunities for local people – there will be 30 jobs created for local people there.

"This is a marvellous opportunity, it is just a good outcome from something that was quite negative at the time.

"And I think it will be a superb facility for Creekmoor and also for the greater conurbation."

Current plans, available through BCP Council, show the service station access will be constructed at the Holes Bay North roundabout next to Poole Fire Station.

BOP used to own the land, but it has since been sold to Forelle Estates, who made the planning application for the service station.

A design and access statement prepared by Bayliss Design on behalf of Forelle Estates Limited explained: "The petrol filling station aims to exhibit a high standard of design while respecting the character of the surrounding area.

"The proposed design aims to achieve this with a striking design with suitable massing for the site and will use high quality materials in its build.

"The design incorporates a large glazed shopfront facing the forecourt and parking areas and will be visual from the road contributing to the appearance of the area and customers to the site.

"All fuel grades will be provided at each dispensing point, electric car charging bays allocated and appropriate levels of parking provision, including a cycle parking area."