PRINCE Charles's dream development has been given the green light to expand in Dorchester.

Planners gave permission for 349 more flats and houses, including 67 affordable homes, to be built on the 250-acre Poundbury estate.

The development control east committee of West Dorset District Council agreed to the latter stages of Poundbury's second phase developments, which embrace garages, roads, pavements, landscaping and a children's play area.

A new roundabout and road connecting Bridport Road with Peverell Avenue East will also be built.

Dorchester North councillor David Barrett asked: "Are the traffic projections adequate to prove this roundabout is needed?"

Planning officer Andrew Martin said traffic growth had been calculated until 2031 and the Highways Agency had agreed to the plans. He also showed councillors a photo montage of how the proposed development will look.

Mr Martin said: "It will have a fairly dramatic impact on the outskirts of the town. But the flavour is very similar in theme and design to what has already been achieved in Poundbury, so I think it is an entirely appropriate way forward."

A Duchy of Cornwall spokesman said: "We are very pleased that no public objections have been lodged.

"We are following the three radical principles that have made Poundbury a household name - integrating social housing, reclaiming the roads for pedestrians and creating a genuine mixed-use environment."

Mike West, chairman of Poundbury Residents' Association, also voiced support for the plans. He said: "We are very much in favour of what is put forward here."

There were few objections from committee members.

Charminster councillor Sarah East said: "There is no provision for windbreaks such as trees - perhaps we should plant some oaks to soften the line."

She also voiced concern that there was not sufficient parking for residents.

Litton Cheney-based Fry's builders, Morrish Builders of Poole and Bristol-based Westbury Homes will each build around 100 homes in the next phase, which sees the development stretching out towards the Monkey's Jump roundabout.

It is hoped that 2,000 homes will be built in Poundbury during the next 15 years.