A BID to build 109 keyworker homes in the heart of Dorchester has been rejected by planners for failing to respect the character of neighbouring buildings.

Developer Lomand Homes unveiled proposals for 71 two bedroom flats and 38 one bedroom flats for land off Edward Road and Alexandra Road in the town in October last year.

The company already has permission for 51 homes on the site. It was hoped that the homes would be made available as first-time homes for key workers such as nurses and police officers - and the developer was inundated with calls from people interested in taking on the flats.

But people living nearby bombarded West Dorset District Council with letters and a petition objecting to the plan and now planning officers from West Dorset District Council have used delegated powers to reject the plan.

Officers said that the proposal fails to 'create an appropriate setting for the adjoining conservation area and Dorchester West railway station, which is a Grade II listed building'.

They add: "The provision of 109 units of residential accommodation comprised entirely of one and two bedroom accommodation would result in a lack of variety, choice and vitality. This is at odds with the Government's drive to encourage sustainable mixed communities."

Officers said there was a substantial flood risk and a flood risk assessment was required - and that research has found that the Dorchester Roman fort was probably in the vicinity of the site and therefore an archaeological assessment was needed before any development could take place.

People living nearby who had objected to the proposal welcomed the decision.

Former Mayor John Antell, of nearby Alexandra Road, said: "It's a good decision. The application was just gross overcrowding. I feel that the developer tended to use the ploy of low cost housing for youngsters to get the application granted.

"It's back to square one for the developer now. We know something is going to come there but we hope that whatever is chosen fits in with the local community."

Ruth Hawkins, who also lives in Alexandra Road with husband Peter, said: "We are delighted with the decision. We felt that the proposal was not in keeping with our area.

"We know that there is going to be something there but we are hoping that it's more in keeping with the area, which is Victorian."

David Moran, of Edward Road, who collected a petition opposing the development, said: "I think everyone is generally pleased that this particular scheme has been rejected.

"We accept that something is going to go there - the last scheme had much more going for it."

Eddie Fitzsimmons, director with Lomand Homes, branded the decision as ridiculous.

He said: "I have been contacted by more than 180 people from Dorchester and Weymouth saying that they wanted one of these flats but I have been in contact with them saying that the plan had been turned down.

"Some of these youngsters have been in to see me and they are devastated by the whole situation.

"How are these young people expected to get on the property ladder when we can't even get the properties that they could afford built."

He said that he believed the objections from the district council were purely subjective and said he would be holding talks with planning officers shortly.

He added: "I am prepared to get around the table and discuss the decision - this plan was for outline permission so full design details have got to be drawn up but I am going to appeal and go to public inquiry."