POLICEMAN'S Lane in Upton will be closed from Monday until the end of January because of work to build controversial new homes there.

Planning permission for the 70-home scheme was granted last autumn after a row about how much affordable housing would be included.

Work has been ongoing since October, and now a large culvert needs to be installed.

The road will be closed between Dorchester Road and Watery Lane, although residents will still be able to go in and out.

Alternative routes will be signposted.

The Wyatt Homes development, to be known as Frenches Green, will include one, two and three bedroom apartments plus family homes ranging from two to five bedrooms.

In 2014 Purbeck District Council refused permission for the development but were overruled by the Planning Inspectorate, who said as long as 30 per cent - 21 - of the homes were affordable it could go ahead.

The scheme also includes a village green, a SANG - suitable alternative natural greenspace - as well as plans to extend the current allotment site off Watery Lane.

Road improvements are also planned to provide passing points and a safe pedestrian walk way along Policeman's Lane.