Sixteen supported living homes have been given the go-ahead for part of the Age UK site in Prince of Wales Road, Dorchester.

A new block of 12 flats is proposed for the front of the site with a terrace of four bungalows to the rear. Each will be one-bedroom with an office for staff.

The complex, close to South Street, will cater for people with a range of complex needs, including wheelchair users.

The flats building on Prince of Wales Road is designed to look similar in style and size to other detached-villa buildings on the rest of the road.

The buildings to be demolished are described as 'low quality' and no longer needed.

All of the proposed new buildings have been designed for maximum energy efficiency.

The application has brought an objection from the immediate neighbours who say they will find it difficult to face more disruption after 15 years of Brewery Square being developed to the rear of their property.

They also claim that the block of flats would reduce their light and increase noise and traffic.

Local councillors Molly Rennie and Stella Jones welcomed the development which Cllr Rennie describes as a good use for the site, close to the town centre. Cllr Jones has asked for new tree planting to be considered behind the front wall. Support had also come from the town's Civic Society.

Said a document with the planning application: "The proposal is to bring something of real design quality to this area of Dorchester.

"Backing onto the brewery, it was important that the rear buildings were sympathetic, but not pastiche. The proposal for exciting, low rise bungalows with traditional materials is one that should be encouraged.

"To the front, a design narrative of continuing the street scene design, with a carefully selected material palette to match the street, and detailing that pays homage to its neighbours is the correct solution going forward. The overall use for the site has value and integrity… this proposal offers a change to bring in a use that will last for another few generations."