OUTLINE plans for a development of almost 700 homes on former green belt land have been backed by councillors for the second time in six months.

The Canford Park proposals, which set out details for 695 new homes, a 60-bed care home, community hub and £10.6million in Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and Section 106 payments, were back before BCP Council’s planning committee yesterday.

As reported, committee members approved the outline application for the site on land north of Bearwood in March but the plan was brought back to them for certain elements to be re-examined and assessed.

Developer WH White Limited had spoken of its frustration at this hold up.

However, following a lengthy session of questions and debate at the Civic Centre in Poole, planning committee members unanimously approved the application – in line with an officer’s recommendation.

Cllr Ann Stribley, who represents the Parkstone ward, put forward the approval motion, which was seconded by committee vice chairman and Alderney and Bourne Valley ward member Cllr Toby Johnson.

Cllr Stribley said all members on the committee had concerns about the impact the development would have on traffic although she said drivers learn to modify their routes.

“Given that this site is released from the green belt, given that we do need more houses, given that we definitely need more affordable houses, I can’t now after all the questions that have been asked, see any potential reasons to refuse this application,” said Cllr Stribley.

Cllr Johnson said there were vast benefits with the scheme, with members “all aware of the housing shortfall”.

He said: “We have all been very frustrated over previous meetings regarding large schemes that haven’t met the viability standard for affordable housing and now here we have one where they are prepared to put in exactly what we all hope for and I think that should be commended as much as anything else.”

Following the committee’s approval decision, the applicant will need to submit further applications to secure permission for various reserved matters. The green light was given despite more than 300 objections against the scheme, which was submitted in early 2019.