COUNCILLORS have given the green light for 85 new homes at Crossways despite objections from the local community.

Members of West Dorset District Council’s planning committee considered the application for 85 homes on land to the north west of Frome Valley Road.

Councillors were told that the proposed 11.5-hectare development site was outside the designated development boundary for the village and had not been included in the local plan, whereas a site for 500 proposed homes south of Warmwell Road on the other side of the village had been included.

While local residents have been largely supportive of the proposals emerging for the Warmwell Road and the associated infrastructure it will bring, there were concerns raised on behalf of the community regarding the Frome Valley Road site.

Local county councillor Andy Canning described the proposal as “opportunistic” and said he was concerned about the impact on the wider Crossways community.

He said: “This is just part of the process of extravagant building at Crossways that must be rejected.”

Cllr Ian Virgo, representing Crossways Parish Council, said: “We most strongly object to this application because of the significant strain and likely damage to the already overstretched Crossways infrastructure, facilities and services.”

Cllr Virgo also voiced concerns about the impact on traffic on roads in the village.

He added: “Crossways acknowledges the need for additional housing and elected development south of Warmwell Road in preference to this site.”

Local resident Nigel Hill said: “It is the most illogical place to build houses in Crossways.”

Developers Woodsford Farms were represented by Jonathan Locke from Nexus Planning.

He said the scheme would bring with it investment into local health, education and transport services as well as creating a 6.5-hectare SANG (Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space) that would have links to the nearby Silverlake holiday development.

Mr Locke said: “There are social, environmental and infrastructure benefits and the proposed development is sustainable.”

Cllr Stella Jones questioned the sustainability of the site.

She said: “As well as being a long way from the station, apart from being next to Frome Valley School this site is a long way from everything else in Crossways.

“People will get in their cars to get to places in Crossways.”

The committee voted to approve the application subject to conditions, with seven members in favour and two against.