POOLE'S enormous gas holder is due to be dismantled, a major utilities company has confirmed.

The holder in Bourne Valley is owned by Southern Gas Networks (SGN).

A scheme to build a 60-bed care home and business units on the site has been revealed as part of Poole's local plan.

A spokesperson for SGN confirmed the gas holder is owned by the company and said it will be taken down as part of a national programme of deconstructing such holders.

"It is currently being dismantled. We’re unaware of any next steps or future plans for the site," she said.

No planning application has yet been submitted to BCP Council for the land.

However, the site – most of which lies within 400 metres of heathland, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest – is due to be redeveloped. Much of it will be turned into employment land.

Planning restrictions surrounding protected heathland will not allow for standard housing to be built on the site.

The gas holder lies within BCP Council's Alderney and Bourne Valley ward.

Councillor Tony Trent said most people will be pleased to see it dismantled.

"I think most people will say 'good riddance' to it although there are a significant minority who feel it is part of our industrial heritage and part of the character of the area.

"I am watching with interest to see detailed plans for the site."

The local plan says the land will be used as a mixed-use site for employment and a care home. The home must be restricted to full nursing home provision, meaning it could provide support for people with advanced dementia or other physical nursing needs.

Some 223 jobs could be created.

On March 27 1941, the staff canteen at the Bourne Valley Gas Works was hit by a German bomber and 33 gas workers were killed in the tragedy.

It is believed the bombers were targeting the railway viaducts.

Bronze plaques bearing the casualty's names are installed inside St Aldhelm's Church in Branksome but Cllr Trent thinks thee should be a memorial on the site of the gas holder.

"There is also a small gas holder on the site which could perhaps be retained and turned into a memorial garden" he said.

"A lot of families in this area are connected to those who used to work there."