SOME residents of Hamworthy prefer the old power station to the new 1,674 homes proposed for the Poole site.

Concerns were expressed by many of the 60 people who attended the packed annual meeting of Hamside Residents Association, when the proposals were discussed at great length.

"A loud cheer was evident when someone suggested that the old power station chimneys and the pottery's kilns had more architectural value than what is currently proposed in this location," said secretary Ann Smeaton.

The latest planning application includes a 15-storey tower block as part of the application on the 13-hectare site, which also has commercial premises, quayside and public squares and community facilities.

Concern was expressed about the density and the view expressed that the plans should not be considered in isolation but linked to the nearby Pilkingtons and Sydenhams sites.

Residents did not like the increase by 700 flats and houses from the first plans, thought the height was overpowering and were uneasy about traffic, the road system and inadequate car parking.

And there was dismay that the maritime centre for heritage boats had been lost from the current application.

Developer and landowner J J Gallagher recently held an exhibition at Hamworthy Library to explain the proposals to residents.

The Borough of Poole has its own vision for what is one of the largest and most significant developments in the town's history.

The council wants the £800m development, which will include its second harbour crossing, the Twin Sails Bridge, to be something of which the town will be proud.

It has issued the developer with its vision for the former power station site and will be considering the response.