RESIDENTS in Wareham are breathing a sigh of relief after planning chiefs threw out proposals to replace a former nursery with two houses.

As reported in the Echo, neighbours of the site that was home to the Forest Preschool were up in arms when Poole-based FH Cummings Unlimited wanted to build there.

But now councillors have gone against the advice of their planning officers and dismissed the scheme, to the delight of locals.

Fiona Sullivan, whose home backs onto the site, said: “I’m extremely pleased. I think they’ve seen sense.”

A row first kicked off two years ago when FH Cummings asked Maureen Selby, who ran the school, for the land back.

It had been given to her 40 years earlier by company founder Fred Cummings, who she said told her she could use it for as long as she wanted.

But the firm – run today by Mr Cummings’ children – said the building was past its sell by date.

When plans were put forward, neighbours said that, as well as the loss of the preschool, they would suffer from less privacy and have their light blocked out.

Their big concern was that the narrow road leading up to the site would be unsafe, particularly as it is opposite a park used by children and disabled people.

Councillors agreed, unanimously rejecting the plans.

Cllr Malcolm Barnes said: “I just don’t see how on earth this is going to work with two houses there.”

Mrs Selby, who lives in a farmhouse next to the former preschool site, said: “I’ve got my life back. The school is a great loss, but that was two years ago and would never pick up again.

“I would like to see an open green area on the site now.”

FH Cummings declined to comment further after the planning decision.