Flats proposal for site of former Gibbs & Dandy site near Dorchester train station

Developers say the corner plot near the town’s West Station could also include a shop or cafe unit.

How the builder's merchant looks today Picture: Trevor Bevins

The application is the second for the former Gibbs and Dandy site. Nine serviced apartments are already under consideration for two former warehouse buildings further along Maumbury Road.

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They would be used for short-term lets, including Air BnB.

Proposed development - view from the north east

The building business closed in September 2020 after consistently making a loss.

The new application for 16 flats has won the support of Dorchester town councillors – who point out the site already has flats directly opposite on either side of the road junction and may help mask the industrial-style Range shop behind the site.

Proposed development - view from the north east

The application includes the creation of eight parking spaces where there were none before, including electric vehicle charge points, and says the proposal is to demolish the existing single storey building and create 8 one-bed flats, 6 two-bed and 2 three-bed over four storeys.

An existing warehouse to the rear of the site would be retained as part of the scheme and converted to first floor homes.

Proposed development - view from the north west

Said the application to Dorset Council: “The scheme has been carefully conceived to make best use of this brownfield site in this highly sustainable location, being particularly mindful of the opportunity to enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area, as well as the setting of nearby listed buildings.

"It has also been designed to fully respect neighbouring properties.”

Proposed development - view from the south west

The document goes on to explain how the new block would be better than the existing dilapidated buildings at a prominent junction in the town close to the town centre and the West rail station. It says the new block has been designed to follow the curve of the corner site.

The application also claims that providing ‘affordable’ housing on the site would not be commercially viable and the majority units being offered are likely to be priced at the lower end of the local market.

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Public comments on the application remain open until August 30th – the application documents can be seen on the Dorset Council website, reference 2021/02294.

It has been previously reported that it would have cost more than £1million to bring the Gibbs & Dandy site up to date – at a time when the business was described as a “serial loss maker.