HOUSING and a ‘health campus’ could be developed on the former Damers Road School site in Dorchester – next to the County Hospital.

But planners are being asked to reject any proposals for shops on the site – viewing it as a potential threat to the town centre.

The ideas are being discussed as part of the revision on the Local Plan for the area which will guide development in West Dorset and Weymouth and Portland until 2036.

Among the proposals for the site is additional parking to deal with a chronic shortage of space around the hospital, housing for NHS workers and an extra-care provision for elderly people who need nursing help but do not need to be in a hospital bed.

The draft revision of the Local Plan acknowledges the 3,000 jobs the hospital contributes to the local economy and says that its ownership of the former school site should allow the hospital to accommodate many of its long-term needs.

“The hospital will need to expand and reconfigure some of its facilities over the coming years as the way healthcare provision in Dorset changes. Additional buildings may be necessary as well as expanded car parking provision,” said the document.

It suggests there should be a master plan for the site , but warnds: “Retail uses would not be supported in this location due to the impact on Dorchester town centre, but the inclusion of some residential development would be appropriate, and housing for those with extra care needs, as well as housing for those working at the hospital, would be particularly encouraged.”

Public comment will be invited on the proposals in the autumn.

The Local Plan guides development in both West Dorset and Weymouth and Portland – until 2036.