Over 200 new homes are set to be built on a small North Dorset Site

Plans for 238 home developments in West Parley, Dorset, have been approved by the council despite receiving dozens of objections, including local authorities.

Beginning as a small family business, the Bellway Homes Scheme proposed over 200 homes to be constructed to the east of New Road in West Parley.

Most of the homes will be between two and three bedrooms and some are set to reach three and four storeys.

However, Ward Cllr Andrew Parry said the village wanted to remain ‘low-rise’ and ‘low-density’ and not become a part of neighbouring urban areas in what he descried as a ‘identikit’ proposal.

Mr Parry has argued: ‘Even three storeys are a rare sight around the parish, four storeys would be unprecedented and unpalatable and detrimental to the character of the area.’

The councillor has also outlined how some residents have claimed allowing larger buildings could result in ‘an arms race’ between developers as each battles with the other to see who could build the next tallest building.

As well as homes, the application includes allotments, public open spaces and proposals for access off Christchurch Road and New Road.

West Parley and Hurn Parish Councils have also expressed concerns against the proposed link road between Christchurch and New Road despite council highway officers telling the planning committee they would meet excepted standards.

As well as the model of the proposed homes, residents surrounding the site have expressed their concerns about parking, green spaces and site drainage.  

Church Lane resident, Rob Elliot told councillors that he was worried about water and sewage from the site and said Wessex Water, the organisation used in the area, accepted that the local pumping station would not cope with the extra homes.

Despite people’s concerns, planning officers say the proposal will make a ‘significant contribution’ towards meeting local housing needs.

‘Having had regard to the representations of objection and support and the advice of the various consulted parties, it is considered that on balance the benefits of the scheme significantly outweigh the impacts,’ concluded their report to councillors.

Photo by Tierra Mallorca