PLANS for 40 new homes in a rural North Dorset village have been given the green light despite objections from the parish council and scores of residents.

The outline scheme for development on land south of Newlands Manor House was approved by North Dorset District Council's planning committee.

The proposals at Charlton Marshall include 16 properties as affordable housing with another 24 for sale on the open market.

Plans also include are cycle parking, a new junction with footpaths on the A350 and a pedestrian crossing.

Charlton Marshall Parish Council was "disappointed" to receive notice of the application, and claimed there had been no consultation within the village.

The local authority said in reflection of the "overwhelming" view of residents it did not support the proposal, stating a number of concerns about the development.

However, members of the planning committee sided with the recommendation of an officer to support approve the application.

This approval included an agreement of 40 dwellings, which was a reduction from initial plans of up to 55 homes.

Councillor David Walsh, North Dorset District Council’s cabinet member for planning, said: “I am pleased that the committee approved this application, once complete the development will provide much needed open market and affordable housing for the area.”

The application comes as the council, together with West Dorset District Council and Weymouth & Portland Borough Council, look to encourage more development under their Opening Doors campaign.

They are among a number of authorities nationwide taking proactive steps at a local level to tackle housing problems.

Cllr Graham Carr-Jones, Leader of North Dorset District Council, said: “Good quality housing of a mixed tenure is one of the keys to success for Opening Doors.

“We welcome the involvement of developers and housebuilders of all sizes, from national PLCs to more local SMEs on smaller sites.”

Opening Doors has also launched a Home Ownership Register for those seeking to find a new home in North Dorset, West Dorset, Weymouth and Portland.

Visit the Opening Doors website at www.openingdoorsdorset.co.uk/home-ownership-register/ to sign the register and find out more about the campaign.