West Parley housing development second phase submitted

Having been given the go-ahead by Dorset Council to deliver 238 new homes in the first phase of development on land east of New Road in November, developer Bellway now hope to gain full permission for the remaining 148 homes.

The second reserved matters application, if approved, will ensure the entire development can be built – including retail units, a Lidl supermarket, office space and greenspace.

The development, to be named Kingsmere Park, will consist of a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments and two, three and four-bedroom houses. Of these in phase one, 182 homes will be for private sale and 56 affordable homes for local people through rent or shared ownership.

Aerial site layout for new homes and additional infrastructure at Kingsmere Park in West Parley (Image: Bellway)

This phase will also see the creation of the first of two large areas of suitable alternative natural greenspace (SANG), with a children’s play area and allotments provided alongside new landscaping and footpaths.

Other uses on the site are being brought forward by external parties.

Hundreds of residents have previously objected to the scheme in principle and a West Parley Parish Council representative said the area did not have “enough schools, doctors, dentists, community facilities to cope with the increase to the town’s population”.

Land off New Road in West Parley before construction work began

Shaun Pettitt, managing director of Bellway Wessex, said: “We have liaised closely with Dorset Council to ensure that our plans for these much-needed new homes in West Parley will be a positive addition to the area.

“Our plans represent a major residential development for this part of West Parley which will deliver a wide range of homes for the private market and a number of affordable properties to allow local people, who cannot afford to buy their own place, to secure a new home close to work, family and friends.

“Kingsmere Park will be a comprehensive scheme providing access to a significant new area of Public Open Space (SANG), allotments and a new play area for both new and existing residents alike.

“Bellway look forward to extending these benefits further through the second phase of the development in due course.”