A DRAFTING error on a map of Poole's regeneration area led to a row over the future of 17 allotments in Hamworthy.

The mistake covered 0.7-of-an-acre of council allotment land, behind the electricity switching station next to the old power station site.

Cllr Ron Parker, portfolio holder for local economy, investigated the matter after it was raised at a full meeting of the Borough of Poole.

"It was a drafting error for which we apologise," he said. "We hope that there has been no undue concern to the allotment holders.

"It is appreciated that the drafting error was brought to our attention," he added.

The issue was raised by Cllr Mike Brooke when, to support the transport and works order application for the new Twin Sails bridge route, a resolution was sought which included compulsory purchase orders as a last resort if developer agreement was not possible.

He said there was confusion between documents and the map over which land was included in the regeneration area. "I would like a categorical assurance that the Hamworthy allotments will be excluded from the regeneration area," he said.

"It's a glitch and not a big problem," said Cllr Bill Wretham, who pointed out that allotments in Poole had been built over.

"Hands off Hamworthy allotments," said Cllr Graham Mason. "Elderly people down there have worked on these allotments for years and some Royal Marines have done a bit of courting down there," said the former RM.

Legal services head Chris Eames said: "We are not asking you now to pass a resolution to compulsorily purchase any land. All we are saying is please agree the strategy."

Cllr Brooke's amendment to exclude the allotments from the regeneration area was lost and the recommendations were voted through.

Afterwards Cllr Parker said: "Ideally we would like to see the whole council behind a major scheme of this sort."

First published: August 19