DEVELOPERS have scaled down plans to transform an old magistrates court into retirement homes in Bridport.

West Dorset District Council rejected initial plans for Church Retirement to demolish the former court at Rax Lane in August and build 26 homes. The developers have now submitted a revised scheme providing 22 apartments for those aged over 60.

Andrew Burgess, planning director of Churchill Retirement Living said the company has listened to local concerns and the new plans will tackle anti-social behaviour at the derelict site.

Mr Burgess said: “As a developer we take our responsibilities to the local community very seriously.

"We have spent considerable time and money listening to the local community and revising our plans for this site.

“The overall size of the building has been reduced and we’ve taken steps to protect the living conditions of existing residents in the area.

"By allowing us to build what will be quality, well designed apartments, the anti-social behaviour that currently talks place at the derelict site will also be wiped out.”

The building will be designed to a high quality, in keeping with the local area and featuring beautiful landscaped grounds.

The initial application was rejected in August because of concerns over the height and design of the building, the loss of trees and lack of affordable housing.

According to the developers, the current site with its derelict magistrates court has become a focus for anti-social behaviour, with incidents of graffiti, fireworks being let off from the building’s roof, and rough sleeping in the grounds.

Bridport Town Council was unable to make a recommendation on the new application as the authority owns the access road to the site. However, in a statement to planners, the town council said residents have raised 'similar concerns to those that they raised in respect of the earlier refused application'.

The authority questioned 'whether there had been any significant reduction in the heights' of the building.

An advisor from Dorset Police has also raised worries about parking and potential theft at the development.

Debbie Oldfield, crime prevention and design advisor for Dorset Police, said: "There only appears to be seven spaces for 23 flats which I do not feel is adequate for this development especially as it is aimed at independent retired people.

"Lack of parking can cause issues between the residents.

"I also have concerns in relation to the buggy and bin store which is situated at the front of the property. Unfortunately I cannot see from the plans if they are going to have lockable doors. If they are left open then this will leave the buggies open to theft and may attract unwanted visitors."

Residents have until Thursday, December 3 to submit comments at dorsetforyou.com