ONE of the biggest proposed housing schemes for Purbeck has finally been unveiled.

The 1,000 new homes just south of Wareham would go a long way to meeting the district's 3,800 quota of new housing required by the government.

A supermarket, new school and community centre would be part of the deal as the area of Worgret Manor is transformed into an urban community.

And the developer Ashvilla Estates is prepared to pay millions of pounds to upgrade roads into Purbeck to cater for the extra traffic the extension to the town will create.

That may mean improving the western routes - particularly the C6 road from Wool to Bere Regis - or even building a Sandford by-pass road if that is the desired choice of residents and the authorities.

But despite lodging the ambitious plans with Purbeck District Council, Ashvilla believe the proposals may be initially rejected.

However, director Paul Davenport hopes this will open the way to a full forum to discuss the idea at appeal before a government inspector.

He is convinced his company has come up with the best solution to the district's housing dilemma - one that provides a mixture of affordable housing, sheltered accommodation, new community facilities and much needed hard cash to improve the roads and transport infrastructure.

Mr Davenport said: "We have put a planning application in and now expect it to be refused and then to go in front of a government inspector.

"All we want is a forum to put forward our ideas."

According to Mr Davenport, of Wimborne-based Ashvilla, the scheme would go a long way to addressing the chronic shortage of affordable housing in the district.

He said: "It will provide 350 affordable homes right in the centre of the district, right where they are needed."

The plan also includes 12,000 sqm set aside for job creation opportunities, and a 400-space park and ride increase at Wareham railway station.

A computerised link of traffic lights along the A351 would provide better traffic flow during peak times and a subsidised bus service would run continuously during the day from the new housing scheme through Wareham town centre to Sandford school.

Ashvilla has also brought in top experts to provide the landscaping and protection for the water meadows that border the proposed Worgret Manor development.

"We are looking at how to enhance the water meadows in partnership with the RSPB, English Nature and Dorset Wildlife Trust," said Mr Davenport.

"If this plan is a success, either at a planning enquiry or appeal, there is no reason why major infrastructure cannot be started by 2007 or 2008.

"This development will generate in the region of £25m - £30m of infrastructure contributions - that is things like schools, affordable housing, health care, recreation, and transport."