Dorset approves over 900 new homes across three developments

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 06:08 · Archive

Dorset has approved 828 homes at Crossways and Chickerell, and separately 78 homes in Okeford Fitzpaine.

Dorset Council's Western and Southern Area Planning Committee approved two major developments on 14 October. The Crossways scheme will deliver 500 homes, with detailed permission granted for the first 99 alongside a new GP surgery, replacement village hall, village green and car park. Outline permission covers a further 401 homes, employment land, roads, footpaths and cycleways. The Chickerell development will provide 328 homes. Together, the 828 homes include 290 affordable properties.

The Crossways application had previously been approved in May but was returned to councillors following changes to the National Planning Policy Framework requiring wildfire risk to be reconsidered. The site contains woodland and adjoins Moigne Combe Woods. New conditions include measures to reduce wildfire risks during construction and requirements for high-volume fire hydrants. Council officers confirmed that conditions would require high-volume fire hydrant details to be approved, installed and maintained.

Separately, AJC Group secured planning permission for 78 new homes in Okeford Fitzpaine following a successful appeal against Dorset Council's initial refusal. The homes on land north of Castle Lane will include one- to four-bedroom houses and apartments, with at least 31 designated as affordable housing through affordable rent and shared ownership. Simon McFarlane, planning director at AJC Group, stated the refusal had delayed homes and resulted in substantial additional costs for the regional housebuilder.

How it is being reported

• Housebuilder secures approval for 78-home Dorset development following appealAJC Group, a housebuilder, has secured planning permission for 78 new homes in Okeford Fitzpaine, following an appeal against Dorset Council’s initial refusal.Bournemouth Echo · 16 Oct, 05:00
• 828 homes approved across two major Dorset developmentsDorset Council approves 828 homes across Crossways and Chickerell on October 14, including 290 affordable properties, a GP surgery and primary school.Dorset Echo · 16 Oct, 00:30

In this story: Dorset Council · Crossways · Chickerell · Okeford Fitzpaine · AJC Group · Simon McFarlane

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