COUNCILLORS have backed plans for up to 70 new homes in Charminster, despite late calls for a site visit.

The outline application involves two connecting parcels of land located on the western edge of the village.

As part of the scheme, developers would also build a multi-purpose community building.

The majority of West Dorset District Council’s planning committee voted in favour of delegating authority to the Head of Planning Development Management and Building Control to approve.

Prior to this, councillors heard from a number of speakers.

Mark Simons, chairman of Charminster Parish Council, said he appeared at the meeting speaking on behalf of the community.

He said: “The parish council is keen for any development scheme in the village to solve as many issues as possible and we believe this scheme has the potential.”

Mr Simons said the development could provide traffic calming measures, more children for the local school, more affordable housing and a more sufficient village hall.

He added: “There has been widespread consultation and engagement over the past year. Our recent parish survey generated 200 responses and showed three quarters supported the scheme.”

Speaking on behalf of the applicant, Andy Ward, from New Masterplanning, said the original plan for the development changed following discussions with the community.

He said: “It was a once in a lifetime opportunity. They were the words that got me when the parish said to us: ‘This was a once in a lifetime opportunity to get something for the next 100 years'.’”

Despite this support, Cllr Sarah East, district councillor for Charminster and Cerne Valley, said the parish council only represented part of the community and that 70 homes was a lot for the area.

She said: “There are a number of people who are opposed to this application."

Cllr East called for the planning committee to make a site visit before progressing with the application any further. A vote was taken but failed to receive a majority.

Instead, the majority of councillors backed the outline application for approval, subject to conditions and the completion of a S106 agreement securing the provision of affordable housing, a community hall and public open space on site.

Councillors also asked for a buffer zone between existing properties to be included as part of the plans. Cllr Stella Jones praised the applicant for its consultation work.

She said: “They worked together with the parish council and the community and it’s a good scheme.”