VILLAGES have once again banded together to fight plans for a new housing development in their community.

Some Puddletown residents are up in arms over the plans, claiming the site is unsuitable, will not be in keeping with the village and will add to traffic problems.

The owner of the land has hit back however, saying the scheme will help to ease the housing shortage while making use of a scruffy unused parcel of land.

An application from Cawdor Construction Developments Ltd proposes seven homes with garages on land south of 17 to 27 High Street. It would include a new access road.

West Dorset District Council's planning committee will discuss the application at a meeting tomorrow.

Villagers have been fighting to stop development of this site since 2010.

In 2011 a planning application to build 15 homes was refused and dismissed on appeal.

The inspector concluded that "harm to the setting of the listed buildings and failure to preserve of enhance the conservation area warranted refusal".

More than 60 villagers, the Parish Council and the Puddletown Society have sent letters objecting to the latest application.

Villager Sandra Shaw said: “Puddletown is a large village with an extensive conservation area and a large number of listed buildings.

"The application site rises on a slope from behind a row of Victorian cottages and the proposed access road cuts through the conservation area.

"It is our feeling the listed buildings and conservation area should always remain but will never be preserved or enhanced by any development on the site.

"The proposed development would have an access road that will open directly onto an already congested street."

She added: "We feel that the proposed development would generate noise, light and traffic pollution.

"Puddletown should be protected for future generations."

Rob Belbin added: “If approved this development would see additional car journeys – estimated 45 plus – emerging from an unsuitable and restricted lane each day.

“Puddletown High Street is already at crisis point. In the last eight months there have been two road traffic collisions involving children.

“In addition to the road traffic there is a massive increase in first school children using High Street as the school has moved."

But landowner Barbara Talbot feels the proposed location is ideal and objects to the negative views being expressed.

She said the site is part of her garden that was once used by her grandchildren for riding ponies. Since then the site has become overgrown and untidy.

Mrs Talbot said: "It is a perfect location for a small number of homes, when the country is facing a housing crisis.

"I have lived in the village for nearly all my 80-odd years and it has always been a good natured and honest community which embraced progress. Many people have built houses in their gardens and many more could follow.

"These have been done to greatly benefit the owners and their families. Further, the development of Walpole Court, the Prince of Wales, Cat's Mead and the King's Arms have helped the village to grow with very tasteful properties for many people."

She added: "I recall my late husband saying that Walpole Court should be developed for use by the youngsters of the village to keep it alive and vibrant.

"Thankfully the later developments have all met the needs of families and youngsters to retain the balance.

"I am happy to do my part in encouraging additional housing for the village. Perhaps my grandchildren may be interested in living in one or more of the new homes?"