CALLS have been made to shift controversial development plans for West Parley to an area of heathland near St Leonard's.

The Grange estate, near Matchams, was proposed for a development of about 4,500 homes in the late 1980s, but turned down by the government after impassioned local debate.

New recommendations from an independent planning panel for nearly 2,500 homes on East Dorset's green belt have prompted landowners to again offer their land for housing.

Colehill, Corfe Mullen, West Parley and Wimborne are bracing themselves for a giant 20-year programme of development if cabinet minister Hazel Blears gives the green light to the Draft Regional Spatial Strategy this summer.

Bill Walsh, who represents a number of landowners at the Grange, said: "A substantial majority of owners at the Grange have replied to EDDC saying that they are in favour of development."

District planning chiefs said they were open to suggestion.

"Any area put forward for development will be considered on its merits," said Cllr Mike Dyer, the chairman of EDDC's planning committee.

Richard Henshaw, a team leader in EDDC's forward planning unit, said consultation with local landowners would begin at the end of March.

"Suggesting a piece of land to the council is only the very beginning of the process and does not mean that development will take place," warned Mr Henshaw.

The chairman of West Parley Residents Association, Richard Heaslip, said councillors should give "serious consideration" to developing the Grange.

"In principle, it could solve East Dorset's housing problems," said Mr Heaslip.

The West Parley residents' champion said the site compared favourably as an area of development with the East Dorset village.

"It's much larger, it's not under a flight path and it isn't next to an ancient monument," said Mr Heaslip.