A DORCHESTER building can now be demolished to make way for 79 affordable flats after plans were approved.

The Oak House building on Poundbury Road will soon be replaced with a four-storey building made up on 79 flats that would provide affordable housing for key workers.

The site is just an eight-minute walk away from Dorset County Hospital and the development will have flexible tenancies.

The accommodation would support a wide range of household types, including single people, couples and friends sharing, as well as those who have recently graduated and those on training placements.

A mix of one to three bed flats have been proposed, with smaller studios for younger, car-free single occupants.

The development would consist of 32 one-bed studios, seven one-bed apartments, 28 two-bed apartments and 12 three-bed apartments.

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Plans put together by ONE Creative environments on behalf of Prime (UK) Developments Ltd said: “The site currently holds permitted development rights for the existing building, which allows for certain modifications.

“However, the proposed design requires a new strategy to accommodate key workers. To realise this vision, the existing building will need to be demolished, making way for a new structure that will house 79 accommodation units.”

A CGI mock-up of the proposed development Picture: One Creative

A community consultation took place about the plans in February, which Prime said resulted in “overwhelmingly positive” comments, with people saying this kind of facility would be of great value to the community.

A communal garden has also been included in the plans, which has been designed to foster relaxation, social interaction, and a sense of community among residents.

The proposed development would “largely reflect” the L shape of the existing building with an extension on the western boundary, Prime said.

The decision notice said: “The proposal for 79 apartments provides a much-needed provision of affordable key worker dwellings in a sustainable location.”

Access off Miller’s Close will be retained.

To view the plans and the decision notice in full, visit the planning section on Dorset Council’s website and search reference P/FUL/2025/02576.

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