A planning inquiry will be held in January to decide if a retirement complex should be built after the proposal was rejected by a council.
Churchill Living’s development would include 48 apartments, 25 cottages, communal facilities and car parking in South Street in Bridport.
Dorset Council refused to give permission in March after it said the plan failed to provide “an inclusive, safe and accessible pedestrian environment for all”.
The inquiry, presided over by a planning inspector, will be held in County Hall in Dorchester from 13 January and is scheduled to last for two days. A livestream will be available so people can watch it online.
