PLANS to place stricter curbs on second home ownership have been labelled "a long time coming" by a Purbeck councillor.

An inquiry commissioned by Prime Minister Gordon Brown will recommend local authorities be given powers to make outsiders seek planning permission to buy property not intended to become their main home.

Non-residents could also be banned from buying newly built homes in sought-after rural areas as part of the radical shake-up.

In Purbeck, one in 14 residences is a second home and the spiralling problem is causing affordable housing shortages in villages such as Worth Matravers, Studland and Lulworth.

Worth and Langton Matravers councillor Mike Lovell, who also sits on the country council and regional assembly, said the burning issue should be brought to the fore.

He said: "We have been telling the government about it for long enough - this inquiry has been a long time coming.

"There have been very big problems in Purbeck for quite some time, but at least they seem to be recognising it now.

"Houses prices are being pushed up and there are no homes for local people.

"A teacher coming into the area or someone returning from university can't afford to live here."

Figures showed second homes rose in Purbeck once again last year, up to a total of 1,526.

In Studland, almost a quarter of all properties are second homes, while the proportion in Worth Matravers is one-fifth.

Graffiti declaring "We don't need more luxury flats" and "No to second homes" has been sprayed around Swanage this year.

Both Studland and West Lulworth have highlighted second homes as a major issue in their recently published parish plans.

The inquiry will describe second home ownership as a serious concern and call for radical action.

Matthew Taylor, the Liberal Democrat MP invited by Mr Brown to do the review, said: "For the rural communities that are affected, this is a massive issue.

"This measure would allow local authorities to say that a property cannot be converted from a full-time home into a second home."

Mr Taylor, who is due to submit his report later this year, said the scheme could be piloted in areas worst hit by second home ownership, which could include Purbeck, before a decision was made about extending it nationwide.