A DORCHESTER site identified for community housing is being sold by Dorset Council for garaging – putting cars before people, according to one councillor.

Independent councillor Les Fry claims the decision runs contrary to the Dorset Council policy of disposing of assets to benefit the community, where possible.

"Effectively Dorset Council is putting cars above people – that can't be right," said Cllr Fry.

He said that the site, sandwiched off a narrow track between Garfield Avenue and Maiden Castle Road, had been identified by Dorchester Town Council and the town's Community Land Trust as a potential housing site for local people who would, otherwise, be unable to afford a home.

The site has 20 garages on it, accessed via a grassy track between two homes mid-way along Garfield Avenue, but has been derelict for years with protective fencing in place and many of the garage overgrown with brambles.

"With six thousand people on the housing waiting list Dorchester Town Council identified the site and spoke to the previous Dorset Council Director of Place, Peter Hopkins, about the site for the Community Land Trust, but it's now being sold for the continued use of garages," said Cllr Fry.

Former portfolio holder for council assets, Cllr Andrew Parry, denied the allegation that Dorset Council is putting garages before people. He said the site had long been identified by officers for disposal on the open market.

"I understand it is in the process of being sold so I don't think it right for me to comment any further," said Cllr Parry.