A DORCHESTER site which was considered for social housing could now be used for a detached house with a swimming pool.

The former council garage blocks, with room for 20 cars off Garfield Avenue, has a narrow access track between other homes mid-way along the road.

Dorset Council say it did look at the site for housing – but ruled it out.

Now the authority is being asked to consider a planning application to demolish the existing three garage blocks and build a detached house on the site with, separate, ancillary accommodation and an office, together with an inset swimming pool and off road parking.

An agent acting for the Dorchester couple behind the proposal says the development will be in keeping with other properties in the area and will create less traffic than when the 20 garages were in use.

The proposal seeks to replace the existing worn-out tarmac track with an aggregate surface and to install an electronically operated access gates.

When the site was being considered for housing by Dorchester Town Council and Community Land Trust Dorset Council officers ruled the site out because of concerns over access for emergency services, according to ward councillor Les Fry.

At that time Dorset Council said that the site was in the process of being sold, subject to final contract, to a private investor for continued use as garaging.

Comments on the application can be made to Dorset Council by 8 January using reference number 2024/07256.