A proposal for up to 58 homes on the former Southwell Primary School, Portland has won outline permission from borough planners.

But the scheme could yet be called in for a Ministerial decision because of a Sport England objection to the loss of a playing field.

Councillors meeting on Wednesday decided if that did happen they should argue the case that the area has adequate playing fields and open spaces.

“Portlanders have been very concerned over the loss of this school and have been asking local councillors lots of questions,”said Cllr Paul Kimber.

He called for an overall view to be taken of developments on Portland.

“Our road system is struggling with traffic; we are two doctors short on the island and we need to address the whole question of our infrastructure for the community,” he said.

Cllr Ian Bruce told the planning committee that the area should consider itself lucky to have a Government body, the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), putting forward proposals for Portland. But he said he was concerned about blocking the end of Sweethill Lane for traffic: “If it’s not opened up people will have to come down Sweethill Lane to the school and then up Avalanche Road. We should talk about opening up that access to improve traffic flows.”

He said that additional housing for the island would strengthen the argument for the Portland Relief Road.

Former Portland Mayor Cllr Sandy West said her initial reaction was to oppose the school plan because she feared Portland was becoming ‘one, big housing estate.’

She said: “I thought ‘we already have enough homes in Portland’, but we do have 1,600 on the waiting list in the area.” She said that she would, reluctantly, vote for the development.

Cllr Jon Orrell said he too would back the proposal: “I’m sorry to lose a playing field but it was not very well used.

“I am glad to see the trees protected and with a bit of thought the nature area could be a good feature.”

Portland Town Council objected to the proposal on the grounds that it would be an over development – a view shared by other objectors.

Other worries, expressed in letters, included a lack of community facilities and some of the homes being too close to neighbouring properties.

The amended application could mean 13-14 ‘affordable’ properties for the site.

The HCA is now asking for outline permission for21 two-bed apartments, 18 two-bed houses and 18 three-bed homes together with one four-bed home.