A 15-HOME scheme for Stoborough has been approved - despite the opposition of many local residents.

The site, off West Lane, will be re-profiled to create a small plateau allowing seven ‘affordable’ houses and eight open market homes.

Ward councillors, the parish council, and more than 30 residents of the small village had objected to the plan, submitted by the Trustees of the Stoborough Settlement.

Councillors on the eastern area committee vote 9-2 to accept the outline scheme, subject to it including a legal agreements for the affordable homes and a ‘contribution’ of £82,500 towards affordable housing elsewhere.

Objections included that it would not comply with the Arne Neighbourhood Plan, was likely to flood, or add to flooding problems elsewhere and would increase traffic on the lane and around the nearby school.

Other problems raised included the impact on wildlife and neighbours, being outside the settlement boundary and a lack of school places, the density and design, impact on protected trees and on the nearby Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Ward councillor Cllr Ryan Holloway said both he and fellow councillor Beryl Izzard, agreed with the majority of the reasons for objecting the site.

He welcomed news that there would be another flood risk assessment of the site before work began, telling the committee: “It does back onto the River Frome and has been known for severe flooding after torrential rain,” he said.

Cllr Alex Brenton agreed and said that despite the fact the site was supposed to be in a one in 100-year flood zone, it had been flooded a couple of times in recent year.

She admitted being pulled both ways over the application and accepted that, if there was a need for new homes, the site was one of the best available: “Is it better for the village to have an acceptable small development and upset 35 people, or for 35 people to rule?” she said referring to the objectors.

At the vote she and Swanage councillor Bill Trite were the only ones against the scheme.

The proposal is for four 1-bed flats, two 2-bed semi-detached houses and one 3-bed detached house, all listed as ‘affordable’. The rest of the site, for open market sale, will be two 2-be semi-detached houses, four 3-be detached and two 4-bed detached.

The 0.7 hectares site is made up of two fields separated by an established hedgerow and is within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. West Lane connects the Corfe Road to the A351 and then onto Grange Road and is mainly without a footpath.