A DOCUMENT shaping Purbeck development for the next 15 years has been endorsed by government planning chiefs.

Purbeck District Council spent seven years working on its core strategy, which was fiercely debated at every turn.

It is a blueprint setting out the preferred areas for building around 85 new homes in Purbeck, annually, until 2027.

A government planning inspector, who held a public examination of the plan this summer has now ruled in favour of the document.

District council built environment spokesman Cllr Paul Johns said: “The long-awaited approval of the plan is really good news.

“Once adopted, it will be used in the determination of planning applications.

“It will also include policies to boost affordable housing and protect areas such as green belt land, playing fields and rare habitats.”

The adopted plan, supporting the introduction of smaller shops in historic Swanage and Wareham, while opposing larger, out-of-town supermarket developments, secures the district greater influence over planning applications.

Cllr Johns said: “The plan has been shaped by seven years of debate and public involvement.

“It will ensure the district has a strong and sound policy to guide the development of housing, employment, retail and community facilities for future generations.”

• A copy of the report is available to view at dorsetforyou.co/ corestrategy/purbeck – with hard copies in libraries and town council offices.