PLANS for 37 houses have been approved despite concerns about “absolutely horrible” design.

Councillors have approved the homes for the Value House site in Wyke Regis.

West Dorset District Council’s Planning Committee has approved the plans to be delegated to the head of planning to grant permission subject to conditions. These conditions include 13 affordable houses that are planned for the site.

The plans were passed despite concerns about the design of the properties and the impact on traffic on Mandeville and Camp Road as well as local amenities.

Value House closed in September with the loss of around 50 full and part-time jobs. The proposals are for seven two-bed homes, 21 three-beds and nine four-beds.

Councillor for Chickerell and Chesil Bank Jean Dunseith, labelled the designs as “bland” while Cllr Thomas Bartlett said he had some concerns over the designs but supported the plans due to the need for housing in the area.

Cllr Ian Gardner said: “I can’t support it. I just think the design is inappropriate.”

Cllr Margaret Lawrence, also opposed the plans. She said: “I think it’s absolutely horrible. What’s happened to the roof ?”

However, Cllr Trevor Jones said he thought the design was good while Cllr Simon Christopher also supported the plans.

Cllr Kate Wheller, who represents Wyke Regis, also spoke to object to the plans, saying that schools were already full in the area and GP surgeries were already stretched.

She also raised concerns about the lack of public transport in the area, meaning there will be more cars on the road.

Value House closed in September after ten years operating in Wyke Regis.

Chickerell Town Council also objected to the plans, due to adverse effect on the Jurassic Coast view and that the design did not fit in with the surroundings.

The Dorset Highways team had no objection to the proposals and Natural England said they had ‘no further comment provided the proposals will not harm the protected landscape’.