HOUSEHOLDERS have praised new plans for Charlton Down near Dorchester, which could see a controversial Victorian ballroom refurbished as a community centre within a year.

The proposals also envisage the development's first shop, children's play area and other amenities completed ahead of schedule.

The plans, if accepted, would bring an end to an ongoing row between residents, developers and West Dorset District Council.

Householders on the site have complained the nearest shops are in Charminster and that they have no community centre to hold meetings and events.

The village is being built by developer Bellway Homes on the site of the former Herrison Hospital and has around 300 new homes.

Bellway was forced to make amendments to its original plans for the site after West Dorset District Council demanded more open space.

The council's development control east committee will make a decision on the new plans on August 6.

Managing director of Bellway David Walton said: "We have put forward a comprehensive final plan for the solution of the whole site and we are now waiting for a response from the local authority."

The former Herrison ballroom has become a sticking point in the progress of the development with residents divided over its fate. Some want to refurbish the original structure to create a village hall, while some want to knock down the ballroom for an entirely new village hall.

Mr Walton said the new plans envisaged the original structure of the ballroom remaining intact. Outbuildings and annexes would be knocked down to create a community centre.

The new plans also envisage an increase in the number of houses, but an alteration in their grouping to incorporate more green spaces. There was a 'total market mix' of housing, including an extra five equity share units aimed at first-time buyers.

Mr Walton said he hoped work would start on the site within one month of a decision and would be completed in 12 months' time.

John Greenslade, council development services manager, said: "We will be assessing the current proposals against the original commitment, which was for 430 houses. Any increase in numbers would need careful consideration and the open space consequences of increased numbers would need to be taken account of."

A spokesman for Charlton Down Residents' Associ-ation said: "We consulted with Bellway on the plans and the association is very happy with what they've proposed for the ballroom."

Meanwhile, Charlton Down householders, West Dorset councillors and MP Oliver Letwin will meet for a head-to-head meeting at Charminster village hall on Tuesday, July 23, at 7pm.