AN UPTON housing development which courted controversy during its planning stages has been officially launched - with six first phase homes being reserved by buyers.

The Frenches Green estate, which will eventually boast 70 homes, only went ahead after the Planning Inspectorate overruled Purbeck District Council's 2014 decision to refuse permission.

District councillors refused to back the scheme because of concerns about the number of affordable houses involved in the project.

However, an independent planning inspector subsequently ruled in favour of Wyatt Homes, saying as long as 30 per cent of the homes were affordable, it could go ahead.

The launch, which took place at Hearns Estate Agents, Poole, saw 60 per cent of the first phase homes at Frenches Green reserved.

It is hoped the estate's show house will be opened, at the Policeman's Lane site mid June.

Wyatt Homes sales and marketing director Annie Huddleston said: "We were absolutely delighted with the high level of interest and demand for our Frenches Green development and were so pleased to secure six off plan reservations at the launch.

"In fact, it was so busy that we had people queuing up in the street.

"With a shortage of new homes in the area, and Dorset, offering something rather special with its mix of wonderful countryside and coastline, we anticipated these first releases would sell off plan quickly and we look forward to welcoming potential buyers to our show home event in a few months time."

The development will include one, two and three bedroom apartments plus family homes ranging from two to five bedrooms.

It will also include a village green at the centre of the development, and road improvements are planned to provide passing points and a safe pedestrian walk way along Policeman's Lane.