DEVELOPMENT in a conservation area is set to go ahead after a two-year battle.

A plan for nine homes on Brandy Row, Portland, has been given the green light by a planning inspector.

A proposal by Canford Estates Limited was originally submitted in 2014 for 11 new houses on land at the rear of the road, to include demolition of existing industrial accommodation and one residential conversion of an existing building.

The borough council’s planning committee rejected this over concerns that some of the houses were three-storey and following objections from residents. In June 2014 an appeal against this decision was quashed.

Amended proposals for nine homes on the site were rejected by the borough council’s planning committee in December last year- but now the planning inspector has approved the development.

The amended application states developers have taken objections to the previous proposal into consideration.

“The cleared main area would be redeveloped to accommodate a new terrace of now two-storey dwellings set along its length, fronting a forecourt space remaining at existing ground level and backing onto the hillside scarp to the rear, where small gardens are arranged at first floor level.

“The block is composed of nine units, arranged as a simply-styled terrace stepping up-slope and presenting form and character more consistent with Cove Cottages elevated behind.”

It was refused by the committee, which found it would ‘fail to preserve or enhance the character or the appearance of the Underhill Conservation area’ and because there was no agreement in place to ensure open space and affordable housing contributions would be made.

While concerns over flooding were raised by residents, the Environment Agency said it had no objection, though they recommended emergency planners be consulted in relation to flood emergency response and evacuation arrangements.

Cllr Ray Nowak, who represents Tophill West on the borough council, said: “With a bit of imagination and investment this could be updated and provide some new housing in the buildings that are currently on the site. I accept that would be fewer houses and therefore not as profitable. However such an update would not have impact on the street scene and nor would it generate as many cars.”

Portland Town Council also objected on the basis that it would be ‘detrimental to character and appearance of the Conservation Area and overdevelopment of the site’. Planning inspector Joanne Jones said: “I consider that the proposal would enhance the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.”

There will also be a contribution towards open space provision of £86 per square metre for the sire which will be put towards a multi-use games area in the West Weares area.

An application to cover the cost of the appeal has now been made by the developers against the borough council and this will be decided separately.