A PLAN to demolish a house on a tree-lined Dorchester street and replace it with a block of flats looks set for approval despite objections.

Michael Parker Homes Limited wants to knock down a 10-bedroomed house at 22 Queens Avenue and replace it with eight flats.

People living nearby have objected to the proposal saying it was out of keeping with Queens Avenue and that the building was overpowering and that it overlooked neighbours. They also claimed that if the scheme was approved it could lead to other developments in the area.

Dorchester Town Council also raised concerns about the proposal and said it neither preserved nor enhanced the conservation area and that the development was contrary to policy on low-density housing.

But officers from West Dorset District Council are recommending authority be delegated to the director of planning and environment Dr David Evans to approve the development subject to a financial contribution towards off-site recreational space being agreed.

Planning officer Darren Rogers said the applicant was proposing to demolish the existing building and replace it with a two and a half storey L-shaped block of flats. There would be eight parking spaces and storage for bikes.

He said that another proposal for the site was refused last year because the bulk and scale of the development would have a detrimental affect on the conservation area.

But he said following discussions the latest proposal had been scaled down.

He said in a report to be considered the council's development control committee on Thursday that the proposed scheme is considered to preserve the adjacent Conservation Area and indeed enhance that area'.

He said the proposed scheme was acceptable with regards to its impact on neighbours, and on the highway.

And he said despite the concerns that if the scheme is approved it could open the floodgates for other developments in the area Mr Rogers said every application would be considered on its individual merits.

"I do not consider that the approval of this application would set any precedent for the approval of other developments in this area as the council would retain full control over any future redevelopment," he said.