AN application of 90 homes has been lodged for the former Swanage Grammar School site off Northbrook Road.

The application, from Barratt David Wilson Homes in Southampton, includes the demolition of the former school buildings.

The developers say the 2-hectare site, which was last used as a field study centre, would have 30 affordable homes, mostly two or three-bed, with 60 market homes comprising of 20 two-bed. 26 three-bed and 14 four-bed, or larger. Local materials are being proposed to reflect the character of the area.

The majority of the homes proposed will be 2 storey with some at 2.5

The developers estimate that the site could accommodate 190 car parking spaces with a new, single road, access off Northbrook Road and a pedestrian access closer to the town.

St Mary’s school, which sits alongside the site, had already asked for reassurance about overlooking from the new homes. It says that it had been planning a wildlife area next to the development plot.

The former Swanage Grammar School buildings were in use between 1929 and 1974, and has been vacant since 2002.

The site is approximately rectangular in shape, with Swanage Cricket Club on its eastern boundary and Day’s Park to the south. To the north is St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School and beyond that the existing grammar school.

Comments on the application, Dorset Council reference 6/2021/0314, can now be made with a decision on the development expected by the end of September.

At this stage a decision is expected to be made by a council planning officer unless 'called in' by one of the local councillors for an area planning committee meeting.