Persimmon Homes South Coast has received the unanimous approval of councillors to bring forward 107 new homes in Shaftesbury, as part of a wider mixed-use scheme that will also see a care home, hotel and a primary school delivered.

The development, located on land south of the A30 at Shaftesbury, will offer a range 1-4 bedroom properties for young families and first-time buyers with 32 homes to be transferred to a local housing association for shared ownership or below market rent, helping those in housing need.

The developer says the location of the site will also provide stunning views into the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Persimmon  says it has also worked extensively with Dorset Council to develop a ‘sensitive scheme’ in this important location. The site was originally approved for 135 new homes but the number of apartments on site has been reduced with more houses provided on site to preserve and protect views onto the AONB.

Additional street trees have also been included in the design and mature trees on site have been retained which also help to deliver a biodiversity net gain.

As well as providing land for a new school on site and plays area, Persimmon will also be investing almost £700,000 into health services and local schools to help expanded and improve public services in North Dorset. The development will also support almost 200 jobs directly and indirectly and provided an economic boost of over £3m.

Separate applications for the care home, hotel and school will come forward in due course.

Gary Biggs, technical director at Persimmon Homes South Coast said: ‘We’re delighted to have secured the unanimous approval of councillors for our attractive scheme in Shaftesbury.

‘This is representative of the positive and proactive way we have worked with council officers to produce a high-quality design, which is exactly what this beautiful part of North Dorset merits.

“These 107 new homes will make an important contribution to meeting the local housing needs of the area and we’re looking forward to starting work on site right away.’