WORK to deliver a multi-million-pound development of new 'affordable' council homes in Bournemouth could be just months away.

BCP Council is on the hunt for a contractor to carry out the scheme for the former play area site in Moorside Road.

Planning permission was approved for the 14-house proposal, which also require a new access road and parking spaces, back in 2018, however the local authority had to overcome legal issues before being able to press head with the project.

Earlier this year, cabinet members signed off on a £4.5million budget for the scheme.

The contract to carry out the development, which has been posted online by BCP Council, is valued at between £3m and £4.2m and sets an expected completion date of February 2022.

Details listed on the government's contracts finder site state: "The scheme provides 100 per cent affordable council housing that helps to contribute to the overall delivery of affordable housing in the borough.

"Planning permission was granted on April, 16, 2018. The supplier will be expected to start on site no later than November 30, 2020, and it is expected the works will be completed within 65 weeks."

A report to the council's cabinet in June said the steep slope and sand base to the land “presents construction challenges”. This also increased the cost of the project. The report added that there were also slow worms on the site which would be moved to Millhams Mead.

The play area on the site was closed by Bournemouth Borough Council in 2009 before planning permission was given nine years later for the plans, which feature 14 four-bedroom homes.

Speaking in June, Cllr Wilsons said: "Providing more housing is a key priority for the council.

“In particular, there is a big demand for larger-sized homes suitable for families and there can be a significant wait for this type of property.

“I am really pleased to bring forward the plans to develop this scheme which will contribute further housing to our council housing stock and provide local families with a fantastic home.”