RURAL communities east of Dorchester can benefit from a grant scheme thanks to a deal struck by a council and a developer of holiday homes.

A Conservation and Community Fund has been launched by West Dorset District Council, Dorset County Council Natural Environment Team (DNET) and Habitat First Group which is building the Silverlake sustainable holiday home village on the former Warmwell quarry site.

The fund is a requirement through the planning permission which was granted to the developer, which is building up to 1,000 new holiday homes over the next 30 years. A country club and spa are also being built.

The development is said to be a "key economic driver for the future of the west Dorset economy".

The legal agreement tied to this planning permission requires each holiday home owner to pay an annual sum of at least £50 to fund nature conservation and community projects that help mitigate the effects of the development on nearby protected heathlands. The developer will top-up this fund to ensure that a contribution of £10,000 is made to the council each year.

The parishes of Warmwell, Crossways, Knightsford, Owermoigne, Puddletown and Moreton can benefit from the Conservation and Community Fund.

Money can be used for projects to benefit habitats and wildlife in the local area. It can also be used for projects to reduce vehicle use in the area through promoting the natural environment – such as bike paths, walking routes.

Cllr Ian Gardner, West Dorset District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Planning, said: “This funding is an opportunity for local community groups and organisations make a positive change and enhance the natural environment of their area.”

Applications for funding can be made during April and October each year.

Initial funds in the Conservation and Community Fund stand at £10,000 but will increase as the number of properties within Silverlake increases.

Applicants can apply for up to £5,000 per year from the fund.

Those wishing to apply for funding will need to complete and submit an application form by 5pm on Monday, April 30. The applications will then be considered by DNET, WDDC, Habitat First Group, and relevant ward members before awards are made later in the year.

Guidance on the application and assessment process has been prepared together with an application form, visit dorsetforyou.com