A MAJOR scheme to build up to 875 homes at Roeshot Hill will go before planners next week.

Plans to build on the 'urban extension' site, just north of the A35 between Somerford and Hinton, have been in development for more than a decade, with several early stage schemes put together.

In 2015 developer Taylor Wimpey unveiled its proposal for 850 homes, as well as sports facilities, a play area and community centre.

On Thursday, Christchurch District planning board will consider whether to grant outline approval for access roads to the site - a roundabout off Lyndhurst Road, Hawthorn Road at Staple Cross and the A35 itself.

They will also decide whether to approve the scheme in principle.

Officers have recommended approval.

A report to the board states that the site "is identified for a strategic housing allocation and will be released from

the Green Belt".

It says the scheme would make a "major contribution" to the borough's housing target of building 8,490 homes between 2013 and 2028, and that the council will "seek to maximise" affordable housing provision "up to 35 per cent".

"Development opportunity is relatively restricted in Christchurch with the majority of allocation sites being located in East Dorset," the report states.

"Consequently, this outline application represents a significant opportunity to deliver a significant proportion of the Local Plan housing needs within a sustainable location i close proximity to Christchurch town centre.

"The concept of developing this site is not new, dating back to at least 2008."

Additional benefits claimed include the slowing of traffic on the A35 via a 40mph speed limit extension, upgrading the Stony Lane roundabout and financial contributions to schools.

Details reserved for consideration at future meetings include a new bus/community building near the Somerford Sainsbury's store, an open space with two floodlit all weather pitches and changing facilities and the play area.

Also, the plans include a new road bridge over the River Mude with a junction to Watery Lane.

A mix of housing is proposed, including up to four bedroom houses along with flats and affordable housing.

Burton Parish Council has objected to the scheme, and 46 letters of objection have been submitted, chiefly citing the potential impact on traffic and services.

Back in 2015, when the scheme was first unveiled, residents expressed concern over the lack of new schooling and medical facilities.

However, according to the officers' report, Dorset County Council has carried out a study of the demand for school places and determined that "the educational requirements of the scheme can be met through a financial contribution toward the extension of Somerford Primary and the Grange School, which have capacity".

Likewise, it states that NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group has not sought to have a new health centre on the site, but has "requested a contribution" in cash to improve parking at Highcliffe and Burton medical centres.