THE leader of North Dorset District Council, Peter Webb, has said he is "particularly pleased" with an independent panel's recommendation for housing developments which, if accepted, would boost house building from 250 to 350 homes per year.

The figures would result in a further 7,000 new homes being constructed in North Dorset between 2006 and 2026, of which 35 per cent would be affordable homes.

The independent panel examined last year's Draft Regional Spatial Strategy, which will shape the pattern of housing developments over the next 20 years.

The panel recommended significant increases in housing developments across the South West.

But they rejected an idea of significant growth for Blandford because of concerns over the potential for increased commuting.

They also rejected an idea for a major expansion of Gillingham as they were concerned it would be difficult to upgrade the road network.

They did, however, recommend that the bulk of the new homes be accommodated in the three main towns of Blandford, Gillingham and Shaftesbury, with a smaller proportion in the smaller towns of Sturminster Newton and Stalbridge and in a limited number of larger villages.

Council leader Peter Webb said the panel's recommendations for more housing reflected almost exactly what they had lobbied for.

"It provides, in our view, a sustainable level of growth and development for our rural environment, which was somewhat lacking in the submitted draft.

"It is now to be hoped that the Secretary of State supports the views of her appointed panel in this regard. The other welcome highlight is the minimum 35 per cent affordable housing condition.

"Even higher may become justifiable in time."

Gillingham county councillor David Milsted said he thought they had received the best possible outcome.

"Sustainable growth combined with infrastructure from developer contributions is good for our economy and keeps our community lively, while the affordable element will go to local people, especially young people who would otherwise be driven away by high house prices and rents."

The panel's report will be submitted to the Secretary of State for Communities, Hazel Blears, who will consider the recommendations and will produce a list of proposed changes in the spring.