BCP Council will buy back a “limited” number of flats from in tower blocks it owns, despite claims the move was unfair.

It follows concerns from some of the 33 private leaseholders in the four council-owned blocks in Poole, which are earmarked for a £20 million refurbishment, about the amount they would have to contribute to the project.

At a meeting on Wednesday, cabinet members unanimously approved plans to use £750,000 to buy five or six flats although Conservative councillors said it was not fair on those who would miss out.

Drake Court, Grenville Court, Nelson Court and Rodney Court are all included in the 'Project Admiral' scheme launched by Poole council earlier this year.

It will see a range of improvements made to the buildings including roof refittings and the installation of sprinkler systems.

Leaseholders of the privately-owned flats in the four blocks have been asked for contributions, ranging from £46,000 to £56,000, towards the cost of the work.

But this has been criticised by many who said they expected charges similar to the average £30,000 charged for work at Sterte Court in 2013 and 2014.

Some of these will now be in line for the council to buy back their flats after the council’s cabinet unanimously approved the allocation of £750,000 from its reserves.

Cabinet member for housing, councillor Kieron Wilson, said: “My main concerns when considering the options were fairness and how to keep a good relationship with leaseholders.

“This will enable future access to properties when needed and ensure they uphold their responsibility as leaseholders.

“This will also minimise the risk of anything going to tribunal, despite knowing we have an extremely case if it was brought in front of a judge.”

But councillor Philip Broadhead said "picking and choosing" was unfair on the dozens of leaseholders who would miss out.

“It’s unfair on council tenants as the funds proposed to only help some leaseholders could be much better spent on many more council homes elsewhere," he said at Wednesday's meeting. “This really is the worst of both worlds.”

But Cllr Wilson said all applications would be considered and then prioritised against criteria including health needs.

Once bought, the flats would be added to the council's housing stock with a report saying there was a "particular need" for one and two-bedroom apartments in the area.