A BLOCK of garages is being lined up for demolition to make way for six terraced houses in Dorchester.

Two terraces of three homes are proposed by Magna Housing for the garage site off Martyr Close.

The housing association revealed last year that it was planning to use two garage blocks for housing following public consultation.

Further homes are proposed for garages off Eddison Avenue, although a plan has yet to be submitted.

A statement supporting the application for Martyr Close proposes six affordable homes and parking together with additional parking for the existing garage users.

It says: 'The proposed scheme of new homes aims to make good and efficient use of the available land and increase housing density.

'The existing site comprises an existing hard landscaped forecourt for parking and access to a substation and 16 garages together with an existing area of grassland to the rear of the garages.

'Both the grassed area and the garage forecourt are in areas to the rear and side of the adjacent dwellings and suffer from very poor natural surveillance.

'As a consequence they have a shabby and uncared-for nature.

'The application scheme proposes the replacement of the garages with six new affordable three-bedroom dwellings together with associated parking courts for the existing garage users. The overall strategy is to provide a simple terrace which will both blend in with and enhance the surrounding housing development.' Sean Craik, Magna's area project manager, said that building on the sites of the garages would help ease pressure to find land to build affordable homes.

If approved it is hoped that the development of the site could start in the summer.

Magna said it was working with residents who may be affected by the proposals and would continue to keep them informed.