MULTI-MILLION pound plans to redevelop a block of council-owned flats in Bournemouth have been backed by councillors.

BCP Council’s cabinet unanimously approved the £5.3 million Knyveton Road scheme on Wednesday, saying the existing Craven Court building needed replacing

But the scheme still does not have planning permission, although it is expected to be put before its planning committee for a decision next week.

The existing three-storey building houses 18 flats, all of which the council provides on a social rent basis.

Concerns about its “poor” condition prompted the now-abolished Bournemouth council to begin drawing up plans for its redevelopment several years ago.

And last August the planning application for its demolition and replacement with a larger, four-storey block of 24 flats was submitted.

The new flats would be rented out at ‘affordable’ rates.

“The existing building is in a poor condition and requires considerable work to bring it up to modern residential standards,” a cabinet report said. “It is considered that the site represents an opportunity to create a new high-quality purpose-built block of affordable housing units.”

A decision has yet to be made on the scheme but it is expected to go before the council’s planning committee when it meets next week.

Ahead of this, its cabinet was asked on Wednesday to approve the scheme and allocate £5.3 million to fund it. Of this sum, £3.7 million would be borrowed.

“The building has been subject to extensive alterations throughout its life, but unfortunately the building is now in poor condition and is significantly past its sell-by date,” cabinet member for housing, councillor Bob Lawton, said. “We did look at it in 2018 under the old Bournemouth council to look out whether we could improve the building but the cost was considerably higher.”

He added that the project would contribute towards the government-set housing target for the area and help reduce the housing waiting list.

Funding was unanimously approved by the cabinet.

Despite the scheme not yet having planning permission, the council is aiming to begin demolition work this summer and to have the replacement building completed by January 2023.