CONSTRUCTION is due to begin before the end of the year on a £33million housing development in Poole.

McCarthy & Stone was given the green light from BCP Council's planning committee to press ahead with its plans for 60 retirement homes in Canford Cliffs Road.

The redevelopment of the site, which is known as Carisbrooke, will see 25 one-bedroom and 35 two-bedroom apartments created.

The scheme, which would see the current 17-flat building demolished, also includes communal facilities and car park.

Shane Paull, McCarthy & Stone’s divisional manager director for its southern division, said: “We’re delighted to announce that our Retirement Living PLUS development at Canford Cliffs has been granted planning permission.

"Poole is such a special location for anyone wishing to feel the joys of the English seaside or cliff-top walks and we are thrilled that the homeowners of our 60 new high-quality dwellings will be able to experience this."

Members of the planning committee approved the full application, with 13 votes in favour and one opposed.

Objecting residents said the scheme did not comply with the Local Plan and it was out of character with the surrounding area.

Ward councillor Mohan Iyengar spoke out against the proposals, citing the "excess size" of the building, "inadequate" parking, "unsafe" access and "social disturbance.

Only Penn Hill Conservative councillor Tony O'Neill voted against approving the scheme.

The formal planning approval is subject to McCarthy & Stone entering into an agreement for contributions towards heathland and harbour schemes that are mitigating housing development pollution.

A BCP Council spokesperson confirmed this agreement had not yet been concluded, which was the reason behind the application not being listed as approved on the local authority's planning portal.

McCarthy & Stone said construction of the retirement homes is due to begin in late 2021.

“Given the vast undersupply of suitable housing for older people, our development at Canford Cliffs will be welcome news for the significant number of people choosing to downsize to a home that is easier to maintain, while still ensuring their independence," said Mr Paull.

"The access to tailored domestic care packages and communal entertainment and dining spaces, all set within a landscaped development, will ensure our customers enjoy autonomy and support in equal measure.”