THE landowners at the centre of Purbeck's Western Extension wrangle insist they will only let the development go ahead on their terms.

The Lees estate owns the large tract of land at Lytchett Minster and Lytchett Matravers that will house 2,750 new homes if controversial government plans are approved.

Protesters are fiercely battling to have the scheme scrapped, but the estate, which has controlled the green belt land for around 150 years, looks set to sell up.

However, the estate is adamant by retaining an input to the planned vast development, it can safeguard its community benefit.

Oliver Chamberlain, of Chichesters, land agents for the Lees estate, said: "We are being told by the government there is a housing need and they have got to go somewhere.

"If this is going to happen, it is a chance to make the most of the opportunity and produce something with a community focus and improved facilities.

"The intention is to try and retain as much control as possible and have a say in the designs."

Christopher Lees, from the estate, agreed to address a heated meeting in Lytchett Matravers last week hosted by the Community Action for Lytchett Matravers group.

Mr Chamberlain conceded that running an estate is a business but added: "Over the years the family have put a lot back into the village and would like to continue doing so."

The unpopular Regional Spatial Strategy report calls for more than 5,000 new homes in Purbeck to be built by 2026, including the 2,750 Western Extension at Lytchett.

Ultimately the decision to proceed lies with government, who will produce the final housing figures later this year.