Affordable homes in both Okeford Fitzpaine and Sturminster Newton have been approved following a Dorset Council Northern Planning Committee meeting
A development of 45 new houses, 18 of which will provide affordable homes and are to be built on a disused poultry farm in close proximity to the village of Okeford Fitzpaine, helping to meet the five-year housing supply detailed in the Dorset Local Plan.
The development of 114 homes will provide 28 affordable homes to the town, with a tenure split of 70/30 affordable rent/shared ownership and will offer a mix of one-bed flats and two to five-bed houses.
One of four main towns in Dorset identified for growth in the core spatial strategy policy, Sturminster Newton is considered a sustainable location for new development and supports Dorset Council in meeting the affordable provision across North Dorset.
Hannah Smith, Dorset council area manager, planning and community services, said: “The resolution to grant planning permission set out in the planning applications not only means we can secure 46 affordable homes to North Dorset, but supports Dorset Council in meeting the housing requirements set out in the local plan.”
“Developments such as these will greatly benefit those who are unable to get onto the housing ladder especially young families in rural areas, whilst also benefiting those already living in the community through use of local amenities.”
More affordable homes in Dorset
Housing association Aster Group agreed on a contract in July to build 90 affordable homes in Poundbury, an urban extension of Dorchester in Dorset.
The development will consist of 36 one- and two-bed flats for affordable rent, alongside five two-bed flats and 49 two- and three-bed houses for shared ownership.
CG Fry & Son Ltd have been contracted by Aster to build the homes.
