An outline application for up to 500 homes on land to the north of Littlemoor in Weymouth has been approved by Dorset Council.
The development is located on an allocated site within the West Dorset, Weymouth & Portland Local Plan.
Once completed, it will include up to 175 affordable homes, with a 50:50 split of affordable rent and intermediate housing, such as shared ownership properties.
Eight hectares of employment land will also be provided which includes a hotel, care home and car showrooms. Over two hectares of land will also be provided for a new primary school.
The development will also include significant financial contributions to the benefit of the local community. This should include contributions towards healthcare, a community hall, Lorton Nature Reserve, library facilities and more.
Cllr David Walsh, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Planning, said: “I am pleased the council has been able to support this large development.
“There is significant housing need in Dorset, and Weymouth in particular, so this scheme will be a significant step closer to reducing this need.
“I look forward to seeing reserved matters applications in the future, which will set out the detailed designs of the scheme.”
A spokesman for The Developers, Neejam 165 Ltd and Bradbury Developments, said:
“We are delighted to be involved with the development, which will not only provide much needed affordable homes, but also employment opportunities for the local residents, ensuring a lasting legacy of benefits locally.”
The application was approved at the Dorset Council’s western and southern area planning committee. (JULY 4).
An application for 10 properties at Archard House, in Waverley Road, Weymouth, was also agreed by the committee.
The scheme, by Boldhabit Ltd, involves demolition of the existing building and the construction of nine flats and one maisonette.
Planning permission was previously granted for the site in October 2009, for demolition of the building and erection of 10 flats.
The consents come as the Dorset Council’s Opening Doors programme seeks to encourage the construction of 20,000 more homes by 2033 in northern, southern and western Dorset.
Visit www.openingdoorsdorset.co.uk for more details and to sign the Opening Doors Home Ownership Register for information about new properties for rent and sale.
