PLANNING bosses are set to consider proposals to build 30 new homes on a former school campus within Swanage Conservation Area.

Developers want to demolish temporary classrooms and outbuildings at the St Mary's School site, Manor Road.

Bracken Developments Ltd wants to convert the existing school building into 11 flats, and build the rest of the homes from scratch.

Purbeck District Council (PDC) planning committee members will rule on the plans at their next meeting, scheduled for Westport House, Worgret Road, Wareham, on Wednesday (Jan 30) morning.

While a report to committee members from PDC case officer Andrew Collins recommends they grant permission, subject to legal agreements concerning affordable homes, some 22 letters of objection have been lodged by concerned neighbours and town residents.

Reasons for these objections include overdevelopment fears, access concerns, the demolition of an existing water tank considered by some neighbours as a heritage asset, increased traffic and loss of trees.

The eleven flats will be affordable properties, managed by a social landlord.

Total housing provision on the brownfield site is for three one-bedroomed dwellings, eight two-bedroomed homes, 17 three-bedroomed properties and two four-bedroomed.

Part of the scheme would involve the restoration of a listed rotunda on the neighbouring Purbeck House Hotel site.

The rotunda is accessible to the public from Manor Road.

In his report to committee, Mr Collins said: "In conclusion, regarding the layout and design of the development, officers consider it is appropriate in this urban location."

Swanage Town Council, while saying it has no objection in principle, has raised concerns about the layout and density of the site, particularly in respect of its conservation area setting. The town council also lodged concerns about the demolition of the water tank, which required listed building consent.

Historic England told PDC it was satisfied justification had been given for its demolition.

Mr Collins' report explained: "This demolition has been carefully considered in the report and is deemed acceptable in order to provide new homes in a sustainable location , including affordable homes."

PDC planning committee will meet at 9.15am on Wednesday, January 30.