A former school faces demolition to make way for more than 50 new homes – and it could help tackle the affordable housing crisis.

Plans have been drawn up for the former Southwell Primary School on Portland to be demolished, with 58 new properties proposed to be built on the site.

The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), a government body, submitted the application to Weymouth and Portland Borough Council in November, and it includes plans for access, car parking and landscaping.

The HCA says that 50 per cent of the houses will be affordable ‘Starter Homes’, aimed at first time buyers under 40. The proposed housing will be a mixture of two, three and four bedroom houses as well as apartments.

A report supporting the application says: “Starter Homes is a new initiative to help meet the government’s commitment to help over 200,000 people become homeowners by the end of the Parliament through a variety of affordable housing schemes.

“Starter Homes are for young aspiring home owners who are unable to obtain a mortgage for the full market price of a home and are offered exclusively to first time buyers under the age of 40.”

The report adds that the development aims to retain the features of the area “to create a locally distinctive development that reflects the character of Southwell.”

The plans have already received a backlash of comments online, with some saying the proposed development is “overcrowded” and others claiming it will put pressure on local services.

One resident said: “The roads around Southwell are congested caused by the increased traffic from the Atlantic Academy. Adding around 100 more cars from the dwellings will make Southwell and the roads around the area rat runs.”

However, a report submitted by planning consultant Peter Brett associates gave no reason to refuse the application on transport grounds.

An archaeological consultant has recommended a scheme of further to investigate the archaeological potential and the potential impact of the development.

The application can be found on the Dorset for You website. Online comments must be submitted by Wednesday, December 27.