CONTROVERSIAL plans to build dozens of homes in a north Dorset village have been approved.

P&D Crocker’s application to develop land off Burton Street had been opposed by villagers and the parish council due to concerns about its “frightening” size.

Despite admitting they sympathised with their fears, members of North Dorset District Council agreed to grant permission for the construction of ‘up to’ 61 homes in Marnhull at a meeting on Tuesday.

The outline planning application was submitted last year seeking permission to develop the land near the village hall and recreation ground.

Forty per cent (24) of the homes would be ‘affordable’ and councillors were told by the developer’s agent that they had been approached by construction firms willing to take on the project.

Widespread opposition to the scheme was made by villagers and a five-page letter of objection was submitted by the parish council.

Speaking at the planning committee meeting, Francesca Pratt said: “This is the only open area in the village where large groups can gather.

“The development will negatively impact on the character of Marnhull – its frightening size is not in keeping with this village.”

Despite this, councillors had been recommended to grant planning permission due to the shortfall in new housing in the district.

Committee vice-chairman Cllr Charles Dowden, a former resident of the village, said the development would better connect the northern and southern ends of Marnhull.

He criticised the decision in the village not to continue work to create a neighbourhood plan which, he added, would have given much more control over what development takes place.

The recommendation to approve the scheme was approved by councillors.

Speaking after the meeting, the council’s head of planning, Hilary Jordan welcomed the decision.

“The new homes have the potential to contribute to the vitality and viability of Marnhull, with support for services and 40 per cent affordable housing,” she said.

“This is one of a number of applications to receive consent in recent months for much-needed housing in north Dorset.”

A condition of the planning permission requires construction work to begin within two years of the approval of the final details of the development.