A NEW development of commercial units, homes and a primary school will bring more than £1m of investment for Shaftesbury, according to developers.

The site, south of the A30, will be developed by Persimmon Homes after outline approval was secured on appeal. It is set to incorporate industrial starter units and an area designated as flexible commercial use which may be used for a hotel and non-food retail or a residential care home.

This will be built opposite another Persimmon development in Shaftesbury at Saxon Grange, in Higher Blandford Road, where work is due to start on 55 new homes.

Sharon Eckford, land director for Persimmon, said: “The outline plans include a primary school, sports pitches, public open space and up to 135 homes – of which a third would be designated as affordable. There is also a focus on supporting jobs in the town with the provision for industrial and commercial properties within the development.

“The planning inspector concluded that the scheme brought significant benefits to the town. The decision to approve our application also secures around £1million of Section 106 payments towards local infrastructure and services, including health, education and public rights of way improvements.”

She added: “Our plans will include homes to suit a range of buyers, from those looking to get onto the property ladder for the first time to families seeking more space.”