A PROJECT aimed at tackling Dorset's housing crisis is expanding further across the county.

Opening Doors - a Dorset Council-run scheme - is trying to make buying and renting more affordable by encouraging new homes to be built.

Over the past two years, the project has been working with and encouraging developers, housing associations, community land trusts and others to build more quality homes of all types.

These include for rent, open market sale and affordable properties. The aim is to build 20,000 new homes by 2033.

The scheme initially covered Weymouth and Portland, west Dorset and north Dorset, but will now be covering the east of the county and Purbeck.

Cllr Graham Carr-Jones, Dorset Council portfolio holder for Housing, said: “I am delighted we will be extending the reach of Dorset Council’s Opening Doors programme to cover Purbeck and east Dorset.

“It is no secret that Dorset faces an increased demand for housing and people from different walks of life are struggling to find suitable properties, meaning they are having to move away from the area. This also has an impact on employers who find it hard to attract new talent to the area.

"Through our Opening Doors programme, we aim to meet this ever-growing need and make it easier for those who may be finding it difficult to stay in our beautiful county.”

One of the affordable housing projects supported by Dorset Council is a new scheme in Worth Matravers. If you have a connection with Worth Matravers and are looking to get on the housing ladder, East Boro has a number of one and two bed properties soon to be available for purchase at 75 per cent market value.

You can find out more information on this development on the Opening Doors Affordable Housing Masterlist.

There will be more developments advertised in the new year including a soon to be completed development in Swanage.

You can sign up to the Affordable Housing masterlist for monthly updates on developments and properties in the area as well as in North Dorset, West Dorset, and Weymouth and Portland.

Many people have decided to take home ownership into their own hands. A self-build and custom build register has been set up for those people who want to put forward their own scheme.