A DECISION to approve plans to build more than 100 homes in a North Dorset town has been praised by the housing developer, despite concerns from residents over its future impact on the town’s infrastructure.

Persimmon Homes had plans approved earlier this month to build 107 houses on land south of the A30 Salisbury Road in Shaftesbury.

The plans also include a site for a new school as well as a care home and hotel.

While the developer has praised the decision, stating the new “high quality” designed homes are “exactly what this beautiful part of North Dorset merits” the reaction by Shaftesbury residents has been mixed.

When your New Blackmore Vale reported on the approval of the plans, some residents raised issues with the impact on the town’s infrastructure and services as a result of the new homes.

READ MORE: 107 homes approved for Shaftesbury- despite concerns town has “reached its limit”

One comment read: “Of particular concern are the impact on medical and dental practices, pharmacy services and hospital specialist waiting lists for existing Shaftesbury residents.”

Another said: “What about the Blackmore Vale Partnership? How will they cope with yet more patients?

“Can’t keep building more and more properties without the appropriate infrastructure.”

Other readers praised the decision, pointing to the housing crisis and high demand for new homes across the county.

Echoing these concerns of the development’s impact, Melbury Abbas and Cann Parish Council provided a written objection to the plans, stating the infrastructure in Shaftesbury would not be able to cope with the impact of new houses.

Persimmon previously said it will invest £700,000 into health services and schools in the area to “help expand and improve public services in North Dorset”.

In a press release celebrating the approval of the plans, Gary Biggs, technical director at Persimmon Homes South Coast said: “We’re delighted to have secured the unanimous approval of councillors for our attractive scheme in Shaftesbury

“This is representative of the positive and proactive way we have worked with council officers to produce a high-quality design, which is exactly what this beautiful part of North Dorset merits.

“These 107 new homes will make an important contribution to meeting the local housing needs of the area and we’re looking forward to starting work on site right away.”

Persimmon says the development will support almost 200 jobs directly and indirectly and provide an economic boost of over £3m.

Separate applications for the care home, hotel and school will be submitted soon.