A £15 million pound residential scheme comprising 86 apartments on the site of a former pub in Poole has been given the green light by planners.

Construction work on the prominent brownfield site in Commercial Road is due to get underway in a matter of weeks.

The developer says the flats are designed specifically for the rental market.

The Build to Rent scheme is the largest project to date for residential development specialist AJC Group, headquartered less than a mile away in offices on Sandbanks Road.

The site, near Bournemouth & Poole College and the Civic Offices, was formerly occupied by The Sloop pub.

It was demolished earlier this year.

AJC Group had previously obtained planning permission on appeal for 74 apartments before subsequently submitting a new plan to expand the project by an additional 12 apartments.

The scheme includes 73 one-bed flats, 12 two-bed flats and 1 three-bed flat with 46 parking spaces for cars, four spaces for motorbikes and 120 spaces for bicycles.

The first apartments are expected to be available for occupation in the spring of 2024.

David Cracklen, pictured left, Director of AJC Group, said: “We are thrilled to have received approval of our detailed plans from BCP Council’s Planning Committee.

“We can now prepare to commence construction for this much-needed scheme, which will deliver 86 one- and two-bedroom apartments for the town.

“Our design-led flagship development will include the latest energy saving features and will achieve a high B EPC rating, enabling future residents to lower their carbon footprint and energy bills.

“Throughout the construction programme, we will be utilising the skills of the local supply chain, wherever possible, in order to create and safeguard jobs across south east Dorset.

“In addition to this scheme, we currently have almost 200 high quality new homes under construction, the majority of which are designated for affordable housing.

“We are keen to build on this success and have significant financial resources to acquire further residential land.”

AJC Group said it selected the Commercial Road site for a flagship apartment scheme due to its “unrivalled access” to public transport.

It’s positioned near several bus routes and is sited between Poole and Parkstone train stations.

Poole-based AJC Group operates across the Wessex region.

Recent projects include 14 apartments with sea views at West Cliff Gardens in Bournemouth, and a new build scheme which is part of the award-winning Brewery Square redevelopment in Dorchester.

The company is also constructing 27 affordable homes in Okeford Fitzpaine, which will be delivered on behalf of Registered Provider Aster Communities.

Elsewhere in Dorset, AJC Group is delivering 21 affordable homes for Abri Housing Association in Hazelbury Bryan.