LAND in Bournemouth once set aside for a replacement for the Cambridge Road roundabout could be redeveloped into dozens of flats.

Bayview Developments said there was a “clear need” for more housing in the area and its proposal would “rejuvenate” the former council depot site.

The developer will make public the details of its scheme next week before submitting a planning application next year.

“We aim to rejuvenate an under-utilised site on a prominent western gateway and turn it into a high-quality, sustainable residential development,” its managing director Bill Buckler said.

“There is a clear need to provide more homes for young professionals, families and others keen to live close to the town centre.

“Our scheme has the potential to lift the urban environment, provide quality homes for people, support the town centre economy and bring more life to the area.”

The land, that previously housed Summerhayes Hotel, had been earmarked by Bournemouth council for a new junction between the Wessex Way and Cambridge Road.

But the scheme was shelved and the plot later offered for sale. In the interim period it was used as a depot for the council’s highways department.

A council report from the time said the land was better suited to be taken on by a private company.

"It is a challenging site to develop for rented housing," it said. "It is felt, therefore, that a private sector development will maximise its value.

"Disposal of the site is consistent with a mixed approach across the council's portfolio."

It expected to receive between £1.5 million and £2.5 million in any deal.

Its new owner, Bournemouth-based Bayview Developments, has now drawn-up proposals to build “around 100 apartments” on the site.

The firm will host a public exhibition outlining full details of its plans at the Norfolk Royale hotel on Tuesday (December 10) between 3pm and 8pm.

It said a planning application would likely be submitted in 2020 after information collected during the consultation had been assessed.