114 NEW homes in North Dorset have taken a step closer after contracts were exchanged.

The land deal with Bellway Wessex is for a 9.5-acre site, which is located off North Fields and borders Sturminster Newton United Football Club.

Dorset Council approved outline plans in April 2020, and a reserved matters application will be submitted in the coming weeks.

If approved, the new development will feature 85 two, three and four-bedroom homes for private sale, alongside 29 affordable one and two-bedroom apartments, and two and three-bedroom houses.

Bellway Wessex will also invest in local infrastructure and facilities as part of the plans.

The development will be called Corallian Heights in homage to the limestone geology from the Jurassic period, which is synonymous with Dorset.

Managing director of Bellway Wessex, Shaun Pettitt, said the housing development will hopefully 'meet the needs of house-hunters in this part of Dorset'.

He added: “The design of the new homes at the development will reflect the local vernacular of the area, and we will also be providing public open space to complement the existing wooded surrounds to the east of the site.

“This is a sustainable location for new housing, with a range of local facilities within walking distance including Sturminster Leisure Centre close by, as well as schools, shops and services.

“We intend to submit detailed plans in the coming weeks and hope these will be approved so we can begin work later this year.”