DEVELOPERS have been given permission to demolish a derelict outdoor education centre and build six new homes.

In July 2015, West Dorset District Council’s development control committee turned down the proposals by Bloor Homes to add six homes to an ongoing development at Woodberry Down. But the Planning Inspectorate has overturned the decision - despite concerns by councillors over loss of employment space.

The six homes will form part of Bloor Homes’ second phase of development at Colway Lane.

Permission was granted for 56 homes at Woodberry Down in January, while planners had already given the go-ahead for the first phase of 46 homes at Woodberry Copse in 2014, with construction currently underway.

Inspector Jonathan Manning, said: “The proposals represents sustainable development and the appeal is therefore allowed.

“The appeal site currently accommodates a derelict former outdoor education centre, which is in a poor state of repair and has not been in use for some time.”

Councillors questioned a marketing study carried out by Bloor Homes as to the suitability of the site to continue as employment land.

Cllr Cheryl Reynolds said: “A drip feed system of extra houses has been added to the plans as we have gone along - as of these six very expensive properties being considered, there are none that are affordable.”

Mr Manning added: “I acknowledge the concerns of the council in this regard, however, it is clear that a considerable amount of effort has gone into finding an alternative user of the appeal site, without success.

“I agree with the appellant that the existing building does not easily lend itself to conversion to another employment use,” he said.

“The appeal site would therefore, in my view, need to be completely redeveloped to achieve an alternative employment use. The council and interested parties have set out that there is a demand for employment uses and light industrial and craft workshop uses in Lyme Regis. However, I have no substantive evidence or marketing information before me in support of such views."

“The derelict nature of the site, in my view, also causes harm to the character of the area. I consider that the proposal would not result in the unacceptable loss of employment land.”