PLANNERS are poised to grant permission to demolish one of the oldest family homes in Watery Lane, Weymouth.

Objectors had hoped that their campaign to save Rackmead, which was built in 1840, might prove successful.

But councillors will be told that the house has no statutory protection and that the council has no legal powers to prevent Oakenstead Estates from demolishing it irrespective of whether the company had applied to build another house with garage in its place or not.

Instead officers will recommend members at Wednesday's Weymouth and Portland planning and traffic committee meeting to delegate permission for the scheme to planning manager Simon Williams subject to 13 conditions.

A report to the meeting says 42 letters have been received about the scheme.

They all object to the loss of Rackmead because of its historical interest and claim that the proposed new home would not enhance the area, would be out of keeping with the rural setting and would be detrimental to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and adjacent conservation area.

The Upwey Society also objects to the loss of the building but says that, if Rackmead is demolished, it does not object to the new house because it is in keeping with two properties already approved next to the site.

Officers will tell members that in the light of the large number of objectors they wrote to Oakenstead and put forward a scheme for Rackmead's retention, conversion and extension.

But the meeting will hear that Oakenstead sent back a condition report showing it would require 'significant rebuilding and upgrading' to make it safe for habitation and to meet current building regulations, the company adding that it feels the building has 'served its time and cannot be replaced without total reconstruction'.

Planners want a more simplified design for the new home and Oakenstead has agreed to this and amendments to protect yew trees at the front and rear of the site.

Other conditions councillors will be asked to attach to delegated permission include materials, landscaping to preserve the locality's visual amenities, drainage, access, doors and windows.