Dorset Council has approved plans for 328 zero-carbon ready homes put forward by Persimmon Homes South Coast, with 185 homes approved in outline and 143 homes receiving detailed consent.

The approved scheme will deliver an attractive new residential development on an allocated site, including 115 affordable homes for social rent and shared ownership. This will help local families, first-time buyers and those struggling to access the housing market remain within their community.

The development also delivers major infrastructure including land for a new primary school and as well as a new road to improve traffic flow and ease congestion in Chickerell. Both the school and road have been longstanding infrastructure priorities for Dorset Council.

David Buczynskyj, Senior Planning Manager at Persimmon Homes South Coast said:

“We’re thrilled that Dorset Council has approved our plans for 328 much needed new homes in Chickerell.

 “The development will be zero-carbon ready and utilise a variety of new technologies including air source heat pumps, solar panels, and electric vehicle charging points.

“This is a high-quality development that not only delivers much needed new homes, but importantly, also builds critical local infrastructure with the new Central Avenue and land for a new school.”

 Alongside the development, Persimmon will invest more than £2 million in local services, facilities and environmental priorities, including contributions towards local schools, health services, sports pitches, Weymouth Swimming Pool, play facilities at Willowbed Hall, and environmental protections for the Chesil Beach and Fleet Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

Persimmon will also introduce a six-month Local Homes Guarantee, reserving 50 per cent of homes for private sale that will give local people priority for these new homes.