A CONTROVERSIAL development in Poundbury looks set to be approved, despite continued objections from neighbours.

Developer Woodpecker Properties is looking for permission to build 26 flats, two shops and four offices at Jubilee Court on Bridport Road.

The proposal for a mixture of two, three and four-storey buildings is a scaled-down version of one refused by West Dorset District Council last year.

People living nearby have continued to object to the proposal, claiming that the size of the proposal is too large, the number of homes proposed is too dense and that it would block daylight to existing homes.

They also raised concerns about increased disturbance from cars and claimed that the increased traffic will present a major hazard to children.

But despite the objections members of the district council's development control east committee, who have visited the site, will be recommended on Thursday to delegate authority to approve the plan to the director of planning, Dr David Evans.

In a report to the meeting principal planning officer Andrew Martin praises the scheme.

He says: "This is an excellent scheme that makes efficient use of a site already earmarked for development, while providing an appropriately robust building for this prominent site.

"Adjoining residents are clearly concerned about a range of issues but having looked at each in detail I cannot see that there are reasonable grounds for withholding planning permission in this case.

"I believe that the density of development being proposed and the level of parking being provided are consistent with current Government guidance," said Mr Martin.

He is recommending that the scheme is approved subject to a string of conditions relating to contributions to public amenities and the type of materials to be used for the building.

But campaigners who have battled against the plan said today they hoped members of the committee would overturn the recommendation.

A spokesman said: "Opposition to the scheme is palpably hardened this time around with an unprecedented 41 people having taken the time to write into West Dorset to object to the proposal.

"We are happy to put our confidence in West Dorset's planning committee to determine this application."