A “victory for everyone in North Dorset” has been celebrated by the district’s MP.

Robert Walter has praised the coalition government’s decision to scrap a controversial housing blueprint piloted under the last government.

Mr Walter recently received a letter from Communities Secretary Eric Pickles MP announcing his intention to scrap the so-called Regional Spatial Strategy.

“I am delighted by the government’s announcement, which will no doubt come as a huge relief to the thousands of constituents who joined the fight to protect our green belt from centrally imposed targets and unnecessary over-development.

“Clearly there is a need to build affordable housing and tackle fairly the problem of illegal travellers’ sites in North Dorset.

“But this cannot come at the expense of our community and environment,” said Mr Walter.

The controversial 20-year strategy would have seen housing targets imposed on local councils, including minimum targets for traveller site provision.

“I commend the government for listening to the public and taking prompt action to bring our vital local campaign to its logical conclusion.

“This is a victory for everyone in North Dorset,” said Mr Walter.