PLANNERS have backed a scheme for nine houses to be built on land used for part of Portland Fair.

The plan to build the homes has been given the go-ahead by Weymouth and Portland borough councillors, despite opposition from people in Chiswell who claim that the scheme will destroy the area's character.

A mix of detached and terraced three and four-bedroom houses is proposed for Bakers Ground.

Weymouth and Portland Housing, who submitted the plan, have agreed to pay £7,500 towards improving Victoria Gardens for the benefit of the new residents and the local community.

But Chiswell Community Group has hit out at planners, claiming they have been given little consideration and the planning sub-committee's decision was undemocratic.

Group spokesman, Margaret Somerville, from Chiswell, said: "We are very disappointed with the decision.

"Personally I just don't think that there has been enough democracy throughout the process and in reaching the decision.

"There has been a lot of opposition to this scheme from the local community with hundreds of people writing to the council objecting to the plan or suggesting that five houses built to a more traditional Portland design would be better.

"We had a chance to do something very creative to the land but now we will have another estate in the middle of a conservation area."

The Association for Portland Archaeology also opposed the scheme, which they said would destroy the unique character of Chiswell as a typical old world fishing village, while others have opposed the development because of possible parking problems and flooding risks in the area.

But Weymouth and Portland Housing chairman, Mike McCormick Smith, said he was very pleased with the decision.

He said: "I am absolutely delighted as these homes will enhance the conservation area.

"The designs are very good and we have worked hard in consultation with council officers to make sure that we will provide affordable houses, which are needed in the area."

And Kay Castleman, whose family has owned Bakers Ground for more than 40 years, said she was delighted that the plan to build the homes has been given council approval.

She said: "We are delighted with the outcome. Portland is in desperate need of new homes and the plan for the houses is beautiful."

The scheme has been approved subject to conditions including car parking with six public car spaces being made available, boundary walls, landscaping, access and drainage.