New flats planned for town gateway RESIDENTS’ views are being sought on a proposal to build 43 affordable housing flats on land bordering a major gateway into Poole.

Spectrum Housing Group is holding a public consultation today of its plans for a building at Sterte, which ranges in height from three to nine storeys.

The land which the group proposes to develop is bordered by Holes Bay Road, Sterte Road and the railway, and was formed when the dual-carriageway was built.

An exhibition of the plans is to be held at Poole Sea Cadets headquarters in Sterte Avenue West on Tuesday from 4pm to 7pm.

The proposal is for 43 flats, a mixture of one-bed and two-bed. All will be for much needed affordable housing with parking for cars and bicycles and amenity space.

It is intended to retain the well-used public footpath along the rear of the site and enhance it with planting and lighting.

“Spectrum Housing Group have been working with Borough of Poole for some time on looking at the development potential of an area of land adjacent to Holes Bay Road and Sterte Road,” said Stephen Dunhill, director of development.

“The consultation is an opportunity for local residents and stakeholders, to view the plans prior to the submission of any planning application and to enable them to feed back their views,” he added.

Poole town ward councillor Carol Evans said: “The design is sympathetic in my view.

“We have been in consultation with the developers who have listened to our views.

“Maybe the site isn’t ideal, but I think we need affordable housing so badly that it works there.”

She urged people to attend the consultation and see the plans for themselves.