Major mixed-use Dorset plans officially backed

Hybrid plans for a major mixed-use development in Dorset – which would comprise almost 500 homes, alongside restaurant, commercial and office space – have been backed.Lewis Wyatt (Construction) is behind the application, which concerns about 91 acres of land to the north and east of the Blandford Bypass.The application is in two parts, that being an outline element and full proposals.The outline plans are for up to 340 homes, a local centre with flexible floorspace including commercial, business and services, drinking establishments and takeaways, land for a three-form entry primary school and associated playing pitches, public open space, replacement allotments and new sports pitches.There will also be parking, access, infrastructure, landscaping and site preparation works, including demolition of existing buildings.The full application is for 150 homes, public open space, attenuation basins, parking, access, infrastructure, landscaping and further site preparation.A report drawn up ahead of Dorset Council’s planning committee meeting on the application notes that it is “difficult to put an exact figure on the additional number of jobs likely to be created” but added that there would “certainly” be employment for “construction, for the local centre shops and teachers in the school”.It added that there be several other benefits, including open market housing, as well as ecological and highways improvements.”It is important to recognise that Blandford Forum is a major settlement within the northern area needing to accommodate strategic growth,” it said. “It is by its very nature a sustainable location for growth.”The applicant has demonstrated that the land within the designated open gap of PNP Policy LC would not harm the views of Pimperne village, nor reduce the open nature of the gap between Blandford Forum and Pimperne.”In fact, there are aspects of this development which go beyond conserving the landscape but will enhance the special qualities of the adjacent CC AONB.”It concluded: “In the opinion of your officers, the conflict in principle to resist development in the countryside is far outweighed by the material considerations of securing 490 homes, 30 per cent of which would be affordable dwellings, therefore providing much needed affordable homes, meeting our statutory obligation of providing self-build plot, and the other benefits mentioned above.”Approval was recommended and has now been granted.