CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a custody suite in Poole are in jeopardy after an inspector recommended building houses on the site.

The local plan inspector is recommending that the former gasworks site in Bourne Valley be used for housing rather than employment uses.

Councillors have yet to discuss his recommendations and decide whether or not to take them on board but the news has delighted local residents.

The proposal to house up to 70 prisoners in the heart of a residential area sparked protests when it was submitted to the council last

summer.

Around 600 residents vented their anger at a stormy public meeting and a petition containing more than 1,000 signatures was presented to the council in October.

The independent inspector concluded: "I have found that meeting housing need - particularly on a well located site within the urban area - outweighs any benefit of retaining this site for employment uses."

Leader of the council, Liberal Democrat Cllr Brian Clements, said: "I think this effectively kills off the custody suite. I imagine the police authority will have to look for alternative sites because the owners will be trying to make sure they get housing value for the land."

And Conservative leader, Cllr Ann Stribley, who is also a member of Dorset Police Authority, said she had doubts whether Bourne Valley was the right site for a custody suite.

"While I appreciate the need and the operational benefits of a custody suite, I do think it should be on a main road system rather than in the middle of a densely populated residential area."

And Labour leader, Cllr Brian Ellis, also said he was happy with the idea of using the land for houses.

"If the borough can live with less employment land then the prospect of having extra housing land is very desirable, providing it has the maximum amount of affordable housing," he said.

Councillors will discuss the inspector's recommendations in July.

A Dorset Police spokeswoman said they identified the Bourne Valley site as suitable in terms of geographical location and size but a definite decision to build there had never been made. She also confirmed they were still exploring other options, including having two separate custody suites in Bournemouth and Poole.