BOURNEMOUTH is to embark on its biggest council house building scheme for decades with a new development at West Howe.

Cabinet members approved plans to build 50 family homes at Duck Lane, clearing the way for development to start this autumn.

A mix of two, three and four-bedroom family homes will be built on former playing fields, along with a new community-use building, landscaping, cycle routes and skateboard park.

Cllr Robert Lawton, cabinet member for housing, said the development would provide a boost for the local economy, as they would use local companies and workers wherever possible.

“Providing more affordable homes in Bournemouth is a top priority for this council,” he said. “If given the go-ahead, this will be the largest house building development by the council since the 1980s and will provide much-needed family accommodation for those residents currently on the housing register.

“This scheme will also give a boost to the local economy and provide jobs and apprenticeships.”

The scheme will cost between £6 and £7million, paid for by investment from the Homes and Communities Agency, borrowing and developer contributions. It should be completed by early 2015.

Conservative Cllr Chris Rochester asked whether the new homes would come under right to buy legislation. “Eventually, we won’t have any playing fields to build on,” he said.

Leader of the council Cllr John Beesley confirmed they would but said right to buy was a “risk to be managed” and not a major concern.