A HOUSING association will create seven self-contained flats in a residential block in Maud Road, Dorchester which has been empty for three years.

Wimborne-based East Boro Housing Trust recently took over the Coburg Court complex, saying they would use two houses to the north of the main block for families on the housing list and the flats for adults with learning difficulties, with some overnight staff accommodation.

The flats had been previously used for Dorset County Hospital staff.

Dorset Council has now given planning permission for the new use which will involve internal changes while the exterior of the building will remain unaltered, apart from creating a new doorway to the rear.

Local councillor Janet Hewitt, who has campaigned to get the flats back in use, says she is delighted that they will now be used to benefit the community: “I am just so pleased that the flats are now going to be occupied. They have been empty for such a long period of time, with people desperate for somewhere to live. I ask myself why something hasn’t happened before:  this is the main reason for campaigning. It is criminal to let them stay empty and I look forward in seeing the flats being occupied.“

But her colleagues on the town council planning committee had recommended rejecting the application claiming that the site did not offer enough parking spaces. Their clerk wrote to the Dorset Council planning team: “The Committee noted that while it was likely that the site would be considered to be in a sustainable location, some parking should be provided on site not only for residents but also for staff supporting the residents. Additionally, the impact of more cars parking on the already overburdened neighbouring residential streets would have a negative impact on the amenity of local residents.”