AJC Group has received a Resolution to Grant Planning Permission from Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council for its £15m residential scheme, on Commercial Road in the centre of the coastal town of Poole.

The redevelopment of this important brownfield site, formerly occupied by The Sloop public house, will deliver 86 much needed apartments, which have been purpose-designed for the rental market to help to meet pent-up demand. The Build to Rent scheme is the largest project to date for residential development specialist AJC Group.

Demolition work on the prominent brownfield site took place earlier this year, which will enable construction work to commence within a matter of weeks. The first apartments will be available for occupation in the spring of 2024.

David Cracklen, 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 Southeast 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 selected the Commercial Road site for a flagship apartment scheme due to its unrivalled access to public transport. The scheme is ideally positioned for several major bus routes and is equidistant from both Poole and Parkstone train stations, which serve regional towns and cities, as well as providing frequent direct services into London Waterloo. The prime location is also easily accessible by foot to the array of amenities in Poole town centre, Ashley Cross and Lilliput, with Poole Park and the Park Cricket Ground situated directly opposite.

AJC Group operates across the Wessex region. Recent projects include 14 character-built apartments with sea views at West Cliff Gardens in Bournemouth, and a high-quality new build scheme which is part of the award-winning Brewery Square redevelopment in Dorchester. The 57 homes will all be delivered as mixed-tenure affordable housing for local people. The company is also constructing 27 affordable homes in the picturesque North Dorset village of Okeford Fitzpaine, which will be delivered on behalf of Registered Provider Aster Communities. Elsewhere in Dorset, in the historic village of Hazelbury Bryan, AJC Group is delivering 21 affordable homes for Abri Housing Association.