PLANS to demolish and redevelop the former Cottees Auction House site in Wareham town centre go before district bosses next week.

Purbeck District Council (PDC) planning committee members are scheduled to rule on proposals to build nine homes at the East Street site.

Previous applications for the former auction house, which relocated to Poole in December 2015, have courted controversy.

A separate application to build nine homes there was refused by the committee in July 2018, after members concluded the plans failed to preserve the character and appearance of the Wareham Conservation Area, in which the 0.29 hectare site is located.

The previous year, plans for 21 sheltered apartments for the elderly, complete with six additional affordable apartments, were pulled by developers at the last minute.

These latest plans for nine homes, submitted by Simon McFarlane, are recommended for approval.

Planning case officer Anthony Bird, in his report to the planning committee, explained: "Whilst the nature of the new buildings will result in a significant change to the immediate environment of the neighbouring dwellings, this is not considered to result in unacceptable impacts.

"The design and layout of the development reflects the standard of neighbour amenity that typically exists in an urban environment.

"There are no neighbour privacy or amenity issues that would warrant refusal of the application."

However, the district council has received comments form at least half a dozen neighbours who have voiced concerns.

They are worried about extra traffic generated by the scheme and boundary wall issues.

The proposals are for the demolition of the former auction/sales and other buildings, and the construction of two bungalows, two chalet bungalows, and five two-storey houses.

Two of the homes would be accessed from Wyatts Lane, and the remainder from East Street.

PDC planning committee will discuss the plans at their next meeting, scheduled for February 27, at Westport House, Worgret Road, Wareham.