A SCHEME to redevelop a brownfield site in the heart of Dorchester has been given the green light.

Little Keep, off Poundbury Road, already had permission for 43 homes and offices, with underground parking.

And now developer Bellway Homes has been given the go- ahead to build a replacement scheme on the site of 55 one and two-bedroom flats and some office space.

A statement supporting the application by architects Boon Brown said: The proposed building development is predominantly for residential units, with some office space. Soft and hard landscaping will make up the remainder.

The scheme provides 55 residential units in total consisting of one and two-bedroom flats.' But Dorchester Civic Society raised concerns about the proposal, which said parking was inadequate and vehicles could spill out on to the street as a result.

In a delegated report, principal planning officer Andrew Martin said: This proposal relates to a highly accessible brownfield site situated within Dorchester, West Dorset's most sustainable location for growth.' He said as such the application is consistent with a number of planning policies including the provision of affordable housing.

And although consideration had been given on the parking he said concerns were not considered to be sufficient to warrant a refusal of permission. Mr Martin said the character and design of the scheme and its impact upon the adjoining listed building have been considered in the context of local plan policies on scale, amenity and design.

In these respects the proposal is considered to be of a high quality and sensitive to its surroundings.' Officers from West Dorset District Council approved the application subject to conditions on affordable housing and financial contributions to public open spaces and schools provision.