MORE than 20 homes could be built on a disused depot in Hazelbury Bryan, near Blandford, if new plans are approved.

AJC Homes, part of Poole-based AJ Developments, has applied for permission to redevelop the former Handley Cross Fine Foods site in Pidney.

“The site is an unsightly brownfield parcel of land at the countryside edge,” a statement submitted by its architects Morgan Carey says.

“It therefore provides an opportunity to deliver an increased level of housing to meet local need.”

A previous application to redevelop the site into a mix of residential and employment buildings was approved in 2017.

But, the statement adds, this was not carried out “due to the risks associated with bringing forward a mixed use scheme and ensuring viability”.

The new plans provide for 21 houses, 16 three-bed and five two-bed, nine of which would be made available on an ‘affordable’ basis – meeting Dorset Council’s 40 per cent target for larger scheme.

Forty-two parking spaces would be created alongside a small communal green.

The site, next to Handley Cross Farm, was last used by Handley Cross Fine Foods before its closure in 2013.

“Buildings on site were developed to serve its particular needs and with the exception of the larger building are in a generally poor state of repair and offer limited flexibility to any other users,” the statement adds.

“The design has been carefully considered to provide a range of dwellings, respond to the site and respect the village.

“The site provides new homes to meet the housing needs of the area.”

The land is included as an area for new housing to be built in the Hazelbury Bryan Neighbourhood Plan.

The document says new housing built in the area should be lower-cost two- or three-bedroom homes with affordable houses provided above the council’s 40 per cent target.

Council planning officers will consider the scheme in the coming weeks.