Jonathan Ross objects to plans to build 93 homes close to his listed property

Jonathan Ross has objected to plans to build 93 new homes next to his Grade-II listed property in Dorset.

Developers have sought planning permission to build a range of an estate of home and flats on land currently housing a disused college.

However, the development is in close proximity to the chat show host's property in Swanage and he claims this would mean his property "would be directly overlooked" causing a loss of privacy.

What are the plans for the former college?

A large part of the former college site in Swanage, which has been vacant for nearly three years, could be demolished and replaced with 93 homes.

Dorset Council has received an outline planning permission application from Westcoast Developments for the project, meaning they will consider whether to approve the general idea, with specific details to be decided later.

The plan includes converting one existing building into apartments, while most of the site will be cleared for new housing.

The redevelopment talks began several years ago, with public consultations held in 2021 and 2023. The latest plans include changes such as replacing flats with houses on the northern boundary and retaining the main school building, with proposals to convert it into 14 apartments.

The rest of the development will consist of 79 new homes, including a mix of apartments and houses, with around 10% designated as affordable homes.

Why has Jonathan Ross objected to the plans?

In a letter of objection to Dorset Council, Mr Ross expressed concerns about the proposed development and cited its negative impact on his own property and that of the "entire community".

He said: "Building up the height of the current buildings would mean that our property would be directly overlooked. We have bedrooms that face towards the proposed development and the loss of privacy would be very distressing.

"We are also concerned about the change to the fabric of local life caused by so many new dwellings in the area, and the direct impact on traffic and amenities.

"We've been approached many times by developers asking to buy our land for the same purpose and refuse because we are conscious of the impact it would have on the entire community… Building work on this scale would have a negative impact on wildlife."

Other residents also claim the plans are 'not acceptable'

Mr Ross isn't alone when it came to objecting to the proposals; the application received other letters of objection.

One local resident suggested that there would be a loss of privacy caused by the new development. "Being an elevated site, this will allow the new residents a clear view down into the existing properties and gardens meaning a complete loss of privacy. It will also mean blocking sunlight.

"The proposal is an example of over development in an unsuitable location," the letter stated.

Unlike Mr Ross the resident did not reject the plans outright but claimed they "should be carried out in a way sympathetic to existing neighbours" but "the current proposal is not acceptable".

One resident said the area does not have the infrastructure to support more people: "The site would be more suited for a supermarket; Swanage is increasingly becoming more crowded and the doctors and hospital, dentists, schools etc. can't handle it."

Dorset Council are still considering the outline application from Westcoast Developments.