CAMPAIGNERS opposing plans for an extra 135 homes in north Dorset say the latest scheme, if approved, will “swamp Lower Blandford St Mary.”

They argue that more than enough homes have already been allocated for the area and that, with the nearest shop a mile away, almost everyone will have to use their cars.

A statement from North Dorset Campaign to Protect Rural England, supported by Blandford St Mary parish council, says the only beneficiaries of planning consent will be Hallam Land Management and the land owner.

The land management company has applied to get planning permission for 135 homes in Blandford St Mary, just south of Blandford – in a revised version of an earlier application to build 150 which had attracted criticism from Dorset Council’s planning team, Blandford Town Council, Blandford St Mary Parish Council (BSMPC) and other consultees.

A statement from North Dorset CPRE says the new proposed scheme offers little or no benefit to Blandford St Mary but will swamp the “hamlet“ of Lower Blandford St Mary and its listed church and houses.

“North Dorset is in the fortunate position that it now has a housing land supply in excess of five years so decisions should follow the development plan. The housing target for Blandford Forum and St Mary in the North Dorset Local Plan is at least 1200 homes, and the September 2023 Housing Land Supply report showed that 1225 homes will be delivered by 2031. There is no need for more housing, particularly since the recent approval of a further 490 homes in north Blandford and Pimperne, and certainly not for this speculative development on a site unallocated by both the North Dorset Local Plan and the Blandford + Neighbourhood Plan,” said CPRE.

The group say the plan, if passed by Dorset Council, will result in ribbon development threatening the green corridor which separates Blandford St Mary from Charlton Marshall, and the separate identity of both villages.

“Blandford’s infrastructure, particularly its schools and medical practice, is already under serious strain. Traffic conditions are poor already while the approval of 490 homes in north Blandford recently will exacerbate the situation, and this scheme would make it even worse. Road access onto the site will be difficult, if not dangerous.”

CPRE add that the new homes will also impact on the nearby Cranborne Chase AONB and the setting of the historic heart of Blandford St Mary with its many listed buildings.

“Furthermore there will be the loss of good arable land which should be producing food at a time of concern over food security, and retain its role as a carbon sink. This development should be refused, particularly as no one knows which builder Hallam will sell the site onto, once approved, and the quality of the houses that are finally built here.”

Cllr Malcolm Albery, Chair of the parish council, added: "Blandford St Mary Parish and its environment is being destroyed by unnecessary development. The only beneficiaries of this scheme being the landowner and Hallam Group."

Local residents are being encouraged to comment on the Dorset Council Planning Portal at https://planning.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ (Planning Application P/FUL/2023/07266) until the 16th January.