SEVEN homes off Putton Lane, Chickerell are being recommended for approval this week – despite claims it will add to traffic problems and be an overdevelopment of the site.

Builders C G Fry & Son is asking for planning consent for the 0.2 hectare greenfield plot to the north of Brown’s Crescent and to the east of The Bindells. It had originally been earmarked for a new health centre.

The company says it wants to build seven brick and render homes with 14 car spaces shared between them. Four of the homes would be 2-bed and three 3-bed.

A planning officer is recommending to councillors when they meet on Thursday that they should approve the scheme.

A report says that the site is considered sustainable and is acceptable in its design and general visual impact.

Residents in Oldridge Road and Greys Road had written to Dorset Council to say the extra homes would add to the area’s traffic and parking problems and that the area already has a recognised lack of open space – but Dorset Highways has not objected to the application.

The site was originally earmarked for a health centre but the Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group has since said that it is unsuitable for a GP practice, although it recognises that extra provision is needed in the Chickerell area.

Said one letter of objection:  “To put 7 houses plus garages and related parking on this very limited plot is a massive over development of this land. Plots 4-7 will seriously encroach on the privacy of the properties in Browns Crescent due to them being two stories high…Parking will also be an issue with at least another 14 cars and only garages for 2. The parking spaces are too far from some of the properties so owners will look to park in the road which is already heavily congested with cars. The offset junction of Oldridge Road and Greys road resembles a car park at times with vehicles parked seemingly in the middle of the road! This is a very busy junction with practically every car on the estate using it, to have another access so close to the junction will cause problems and be dangerous for anyone trying to cross the road there.”

The planning committee is due to meet at South Walks House, Dorchester at 2pm this Thursday. It is open to the public although only those who have pre-arranged to speak will be allowed to do so.