A controversial plan to build homes on an old school site overlooking the Jurassic Coast is being recommended for approval.

Almost 100 people have written to object to the plan for homes of the former Underhill Junior School site at Killicks Hill, Portland.

Concerns include overdevelopment, traffic problems, cliff erosion, and the loss of a community site.

There are also concerns from consultees about flooding and land stability.

But Weymouth and Portland Borough Council planning officers say they feel the scheme will result in economic, social and environmental benefits.

The school, part of which dates from 1913, has stood empty since 2014 when a new primary school was built at Osprey Quay, taking in pupils from Underhill and the former Brackenbury Infants.

Bayview Developments Limited wants to demolish some of the buildings and convert others to form a total of 20 homes. These range from 1-bedroom to 3-bedroom properties. There would be two affordable units provided.

The site is on a steep slope and is next to the coast path.

A report says the scheme has been reduced in size and scale in response to concerns raised by planning officers and through the consultation process.

While many people have objected to the plan, a handful of people have written in support, saying the redevelopment would improve the area as the school buildings are in disrepair and have been targeted by vandals.

A report to Wednesday's (Nov 8) borough planning committee says the only relevant planning issues are the impact on character and appearance of the area and on neighbours, highway safety, car parking, land stability, whether it is a sustainable development, the impact on the conservation area and the sensitive coastline, and housing land supply.

It says: "In terms of economic factors, the scheme would provide a short-term benefit
during construction stage. It would bring more economically active residents to a sustainable location in one of the settlements which is a focus for future development in the local plan.

"The site previously provided employment in its former use but as the facility has been replaced elsewhere on Portland, overall this is a neutral factor. Considerable weight is given to bolstering the council’s housing land supply. Overall the economic benefits are positive."

It adds: "The social factors are a balance of the loss of the community facility which has been replaced elsewhere within the settlement and would overall be a neutral impact.

"The increase in population in a sustainable location in a well-designed scheme well integrated into the surrounding area has the potential to provide a moderate benefit in relation to social interaction and cohesion in the area. The development would provide further choice in the local housing market."

The recommendation is for approval subject to conditions.

Members will visit the site on Wednesday before making a decision.