A DORSET village could significantly grow in population under new housing proposals.

Dorset-based developer AJC Group is looking to submit plans to build 78 houses on land to the north of Okeford Fitzpaine at Castle Lane.

The village had a population of less than 1,000 in the 2021 census.

Under these latest proposals, the village could grow by a further 156 people using a conservative estimate of two people per property.

AJC Group is looking to gauge residents’ views on their plans before it is submitted to Dorset Council.

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The plans would include six one-bed flats, four two-bed flats, 23 two-bed houses, 39 three-bed houses, and six four-bed houses.

The developer said at least 40% of these would be affordable.

The developer previously built the houses at Comerwicke Picture: AJC Group

AJC Group previously built the houses at Comerwicke in the village, and it says these homes are a perfect example of what they are looking to deliver.

The newly proposed development would sit just north of the Comerwicke development.

“Living in a village like Okeford Fitzpaine is a dream for many”

AJC Group says that the new homes could house people that are struggling to find accommodation in the village.

“Living in a village like Okeford Fitzpaine is a dream for many – the access to open spaces and green countryside is an opportunity that many new familes jump at,” an AJC spokesperson said.

They added: “Recently, we completed building the homes at Comerwicke which has now been occupied by 27 new families.

“The 27 new homes that we built were all affordable homes which have met the need for good housing at affordable prices here in Okeford Fitzpaine.

“This is the opportunity that so many look for, especially if they have grown up in or near the village.

“They could be your neighbour’s child buying their first house, or a school friend who’s young family has finally been able to move out of a rented flat into a home with a garden, or that key worker who does so much for the community and now can live much closer to work.”

The consultation is live now and can be viewed at www.castlelane-okefordfitzpaine.co.uk