Fourteen almshouse homes could be created by the demolition of Napper House off West Walks, Dorchester.

The existing two-storey property has eight homes and is run by the Dorset Almshouses charity.

The redevelopment has met with opposition and is described as being an overdevelopment and out of character with the area.

Proposals are being considered by Dorset Council to demolish the property and build a two-storey and a single-storey property with a linking community room.

The charity application for planning consent describes the existing home as "minimally insulated and visually detrimental in its relationship with West Walks. Demolition of the existing building allows its replacement with high quality, environmentally efficient almshouse accommodation".

The redevelopment of the site would leave the existing three car parking spaces and add five slots for mobility scooters.

Agents, Crickmay Stark Architects, say the proposals will make better use of the site with the two proposed buildings offering eight homes in one and six in the other, with a courtyard and community room between them.

The site is within the town's conservation area and close to the Walks, under which lies the former Roman town defences, which has resulted in challenges for plans for affordable homes further down the road on the old tennis courts. 

Among the objections to the redevelopment is the Dorchester Civic Society which describes the proposed building as "out of character and detrimental to the appearance of West Walks, causing significant harm to the Dorchester Conservation Area".

Its statement later adds: "Unfortunately, the scheme is driven by the intention to maximise the amount of development rather than create a suitable and sympathetic form of development."

Residents to the rear of the site, in Somerleigh Road have also objected. Said one: "I have no argument with the rebuilding and even modest growth of the almshouses. However, the nature, design and positioning of the proposed development have not taken into account neighbouring properties and the severe impact of resulting deprivation of light, privacy…The appearance of the building, which is almost industrial in design, is not in keeping with the area. 

"From my garden, the proposed view would be a huge, featureless brick façade and possibly some red zinc roofing."

Dorchester Town Council has supported the application in principle on the condition that the proposals would not affect the amenity of neighbouring residents. 

Historic England says it considers that the proposal will "result in minimal harm to the special historic interest of the designated South Walks and Borough Garden heritage assets" but wants to further assess the situation once an archaeological evaluation has been undertaken.

Said a statement from Dorchester Almshouses: "The charity believes it has taken into consideration all the aspects of building on this site and has been sensitive to its impact on the adjacent heritage assets and neighbouring properties. The scheme proposed will be a significant improvement, providing an additional six flats in a fully accessible, attractive building which will suit the needs of our residents into the future. Having undertaken full discussions with our existing residents throughout this journey, consulted with our neighbours about our plans and having considered all comments made, we as the trustees of the charity are of one accord and agree that this is now the way we wish to proceed, leaving a legacy for future residents alongside the trustees who will follow behind us." 

Dorchester's almshouses date back to the 17th century with the creation of Whetstones in 1614, Napper's Mite in 1615 and Chubbs in 1620.

These were all endowed by wealthy local residents, providing housing for the ''poor of the town'' on three sites.

These merged and later became known as Dorchester Municipal Charities, the name recently changed again to Dorchester Almshouses.

Whetstones is a short distance from Nappers House further south along West Walks Road where there are 18 flats with a community room for residents. 

Nappers Almshouse was built in 1957 adjacent to the Victorian Borough Gardens. All flats have one bedroom with the accommodation open to anyone meeting a strict set of criteria in the local area. 

The charity says the proximity to Whetstones allows the warden and office to be shared, which makes it an ideal location to provide further homes.

The three charities were amalgamated in the 1950s which was followed by the sale of Nappers Mite in South Street and the construction of new buildings known as Nappers House in 1957 in West Walks and Whetstones in 1985. Chubbs, a Victorian house in North Square was home to four residents in bedsit accommodation which had become not fit for purpose and was sold in 2008 following the rehousing of the residents. 

Various options and layouts for Nappers were considered, leading to the scheme now being considered for planning approval. 

Full details of the application can be seen on the Dorset Council website – reference 2022/01613.