A TOWN centre site earmarked for nearly 170 homes is being cleared by developers.

Aster Group is currently clearing the 2.17-hectare site at Bargates in Christchurch.

Demolition of the former police station, magistrates’ court, pub, car parks and other disused land had begun in November last year.

Most of the buildings have now been flattened, although workers remain in the area.

Aster’s new neighbourhood was granted planning permission in February 2020 but was halted due to ongoing legal issues.

Once built, it will contain 23 homes for affordable rent and 30 to buy through affordable ownership schemes.

Bournemouth Echo: The site of the new neighbourhood The site of the new neighbourhood (Image: NQ)

The neighbourhood will also contain 77 homes and 39 retirement properties to buy on the open market.

Flats will consist of one and two bedrooms, and houses will range from two to five bedrooms.

Alongside gardens and communal spaces, there will be 185 parking spaces.

A new road will be built to connect Bargates and Barrack Road for access.

Bournemouth Echo: CGI of the proposed developmentCGI of the proposed development (Image: Aster Group)

The scheme received a haul of objections since it was first submitted, with one resident even launching a legal challenge to the plans.

The case went before the High Court but the application for a judicial review was dismissed and the judge refused permission for an appeal.

Aster had previously said the area had a “distinct lack of homes available for local people” and it wanted to help “plug some of the gap”.