New £15m affordable housing project in Branksome finished

The new 44 affordable apartment block – named Lindsay Oaks – has finally finished almost two years after the first spades dug into the ground. 

Poole-based affordable housing specialist AJC Group praised the affordable development “in the heart of the desirable postcode” of Branksome as “what levelling up looks like”. 

Built in partnership with Abri, the project features 28 two-bedroom apartments available for shared ownership and 16 one- and two-bedroom apartments for affordable rent.  

The homes, built in Lindsay Road, are spread across three contemporary three-storey buildings, designed to meet the urgent housing demand.  

Kindsay Oaks, Lindsay Road, Poole (Image: AJC Group)

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole face a severe shortage of affordable housing, with house prices up to 12 times the average earnings, compared to the national average of eight times, according to Savills. 

David Cracklen, director of AJC Group, said the latest development by his firm “highlights our ongoing commitment” to help first-time buyers onto the property ladder. 

He said: “We’re proud to complete construction of these affordable homes in such an affluent area in Branksome Park - this is what levelling up looks like.  

“Lindsay Oaks highlights our ongoing commitment to providing local people with the opportunity to step onto the property ladder in an area where affordable options are scarce and homeownership is almost impossible. 

“This is a critical step in our mission to build 500 affordable homes over the next five years.” 

AJC Group was the first developer to bring an affordable housing scheme to the conurbation. It also has The Sloop in Parkstone and housing in Herbert Avenue. 

Sam Stone, director of land and planning at Abri, added: “The homes here at Lindsay Oaks are a great example of what can be accomplished by working together for the benefit of the community.  

“They represent our commitment to building good quality, affordable homes and creating places where people can belong, grow and thrive. 

“On our part, Abri is committed to building 10,000 homes by 2030 and we believe that these homes will contribute to a strong and vibrant community. 

“We look forward to continuing to work with AJC and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council to achieve complementary goals and make lasting change. 

“Recently praised by the Considerate Constructors Scheme for its exceptional commitment to community engagement, employee wellbeing, and environmental stewardship, the Lindsay Oaks development sets a new standard for affordable housing in the region.” 

AJC Group's approach included initiatives such as creating a dedicated hibernaculum to support wildlife at nearby St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School.