Plans for 90 homes on former Swanage Grammar School site approved
One councillor tried, unsuccessfully, to hold up the decision
Last updated 11th Apr 2022
A planning application to demolish the former Swanage Grammar School, and build 90 homes in its place have been approved by Dorset Council.
That's despite a number of objections and safety concerns about the proposal.
One Swanage councillor, Bill Trite, attempted to hold up the decision by calling for a site visit before a decision was made.
He said the worries from residents about extra traffic on Northbrook Road and Washpond Lane needed to be checked out, although highways officers hasn't raised any objections.
Cllr Trite also told the meeting about concerns regarding the safety of pupils at St Mary's School and the pre-school on site:
“It’s a key element in this discussion because the effect of the new houses would be to put a lot more traffic, a lot more people on that road, the greatest part of which is at national speed limit…to the great concerns of local people and the town council. There are no pavements and the sight lines are poor as well, so it’s a very dangerous place."
“We have got to have an alternative pedestrian route between the school and Ulwell Road – it’s essential."
But other Dorset Council on the planning committee thought that road safety issues were outside of the application's scope and had already been considered safe by the authority's officials.
The vote for a site visit was lost 2-5, before the overall planning application being approved 5-0, with two abstentions.
The application had attracted more than 40 formal objections, as well as being the subject of an 1,100 strong petition against the development.
The Grammar School site hasn't been used at all since 2002.