PLANS for a 400 home development in Hamworthy have stalled because of 'unforeseen issues' relating to the pandemic.

In 2019 BCP Council was awarded £3.838m towards a project to build the homes at Turlin Moor in Hamworthy.

However, the money – courtesy of the government's housing accelerator Homes England – was dependent on meeting designated timescales.

Face to face community consultations were due to start this March in order to meet one of these key deadlines – the start of the planning application process in March 2022.

Because Covid restrictions have ended BCP Council's ability to carry out the public consultation, the entire project has been stopped with the council and Homes England agreeing the grant will not be claimed at this time.

Council officials have stressed that full engagement with the community will take place in the future.

BCP Council deputy leader and member for regeneration and economy, Cllr Philip Broadhead, said: "We’ve made a firm commitment to the local community that proper, face to face consultation – to ensure the right homes are built in the right place – is non-negotiable.

"Due to the pandemic, we were unable to start the engagement activity with the community, and the input of all residents in Turlin Moor to help shape plans for the site is key."

Many local residents were fiercely opposed to the scheme, which was first mooted as a possibility in April 2017 when it was outlined in the Poole Local Plan as a possible development site.

Some Turlin Moor residents were angry about the potential loss of Turlin Moor Recreation Ground.

Cllr Broadhead said: "Being able to talk face to face is the most inclusive way forwards, ensuring that those residents who are unable to engage digitally will have the opportunity to be fully involved in the future of developments in the area where they live.

“The council are fully committed to housing delivery, which is one of our key priorities, and we will continue to work closely with Homes England, seeking opportunities to work together in the future to support the provision of housing in our local area.”

BCP Council says there are likely to be opportunities to bid for funding for the Turlin Moor housing project at a later date.