PLANNING chiefs are set to rule on proposals for 90 new homes in Swanage.

Developers want to build the new housing estate, with associated landscaping and a suitable alternative natural greenspace, on land west of Northbrook Road.

Purbeck District Council's (PDC) planning committee will debate the proposals at their next meeting, scheduled for Westport House, Worgret Road, Wareham, on Wednesday, following a visit to the site.

A report from PDC case officer Andrew Collins, which will go before the committee, recommends members grant permission for the scheme.

The proposals are for six one-bedroomed homes, 32 two-bedroomed homes, 39 three-bedroomed homes and 13 four-bedroomed homes.

Of these, 32 will be sold on the open market, with 30 designated as 'affordable' and the remaining nine as 'starter homes'.

The 8.41 hectare site, which has no previous planning history, is comprised of agricultural fields or parts of fields adjacent to the grammar school site, Northbrook Road, Swanage.

Swanage Town Council has no objection in principle to development of the area for new homes, but has concerns over road safety.

Meanwhile, the proposals have prompted 132 objections from neighbours, residents and the local branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England.

Key worries they raise is the lack of a bus route, an adverse impact on the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and traffic congestion.

Residents also aired concerns about the impact of the new homes on existing services.

In his report, Mr Collins said: "The proposal is part of the wider local plan housing provision for the district.

"As such, during the local plan process, statutory undertakers such as the health providers and social services were informed of the proposals and therefore made aware of the increased housing numbers and population.

"Additionally the council has adopted a charging scheduled under the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

"CIL funds raised from new development make a contribution to district-wide infrastructure."

PDC planning committee meetings is scheduled to start at 10.40am, after site visits, on December 19.