LAND at a former gas storage site in Wareham can now be turned into houses following the approval of plans.

Nine houses in total would be created at the site on North Street at the northern edge of the town, nestled between the south bank of the River Piddle and the historic Wareham walls.

This would see the existing Toll House at 68 North Street converted into a family home, with eight new build houses created at the rear of the site.

None of the homes would be classed as affordable.

The project is a joint venture by Places for People and the National Grid, called National Places LLP – a company that regenerates and redevelops brownfield sites in the UK.

Each house would be four-bed and semi-detached, with the former Toll House building to form a focal point at the entrance to the site.

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The site has long been earmarked for development, with outline plans for housing approved in December 2012 for a similar scheme.

Visualisation of the eight new build homes Picture: Thrive Architects

Following concerns from residents about the potential flood risk of the site given its proximity to the River Piddle, the applicant said the development has been specifically designed to ensure the new homes are not located within the flood zone.

The vast majority of the site falls within flood zone one – the lowest which is at the lowest risk of experiencing flooding.

“However, National Places LLP recognises that areas of the site do fall within flood zones 2 and 3 and have therefore designed the plans so that none of the new homes fall within these areas,” a spokesperson added.

Natural England objected to the plans citing a lack of information surrounding protections on the nearby Morden Bog and Hyde Heath.

The layout of the site Picture: Thrive Architects

In the decision notice, Dorset Council said: Although affordable housing would have been welcomed, there is no policy requirement for affordable homes on minor sites in the Wareham Town Council area, so market housing is acceptable.

They added: “Concern has been raised that children could play by the river and come to harm. This is not considered to be a planning consideration as this would be a matter for individual parental responsibility.”

To view the decision notice, visit the planning section of Dorset Council’s website and search reference P/FUL/2022/01906.

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