A DEVELOPMENT of 27 affordable homes in a Vale village is finished.

The AJC Group has completed construction of Comerwicke Fields, a development for Aster Group, on a 2.8-acre site in Okeford Fitzpaine.

Building got underway in 2021 and was finished, on schedule, last month, with a welcome event held this week for new residents and those involved in the project.

Dorset Councillor Jane Somper, portfolio holder for adult social care, health and housing, was in attendance alongside Andrew Billany, corporate director of housing and community safety at the council, with members of parish council.

Comerwicke Fields is the first completed development AJC Group has delivered with Aster Group to provide affordable housing in Dorset.

It is in Castle Lane and the developer said the rural site had been ‘sensitively constructed and designed to seamlessly blend into its countryside surroundings’.

The development features two, three and four-bedroom semi-detached, mid terrace and end terrace houses, each with a private garden, dedicated hardstanding spaces and residents’ parking.

It is made up of 100% affordable housing, with eight homes for social rent and 19 homes available through shared ownership.

David Cracklen, director of AJC Group, said: “We are extremely proud to have now completed this brilliant development for Aster Group, which provides much-needed affordable housing to the Okeford Fitzpaine community and wider area.

“The homes are built to the highest standards and this project is in line with our commitment and corporate strategy to build 500 affordable homes by 2028.

“The development programme and finished homes pay respect to the local heritage of the area, while enhancing the surrounding village.

“It’s been great to work with Aster Group and we look forward to completing our second collaborative development in Dorset with the same team before the end of 2024.

“We currently have 57 homes under construction at the newly regenerated Dorchester Brewery complex, which will also be 100% affordable.”

Cllr Somper said: “Dorset is a wonderful place to live. However, homes in rural locations, like Okeford Fitzpaine, normally come at a premium.

“This makes it harder for local families to get onto the housing ladder in their local area, so it is great to see a newly completed affordable housing scheme which supports the local community.

“Dorset Council continues to work closely with our communities to build more homes where they’re needed, and we’re committed to supporting the delivery of the right homes in the right places for generations to come.”

And Amanda Williams, chief investment officer at Aster, added: “There is a desperate need and shortage of affordable housing in the area, so we’re pleased to be able to offer these beautiful homes which will benefit future residents for years to come.

“There are now just two homes remaining at this site: a two-bedroom mid terrace house and a four-bedroom semi-detached house. Both homes are available through shared ownership and will provide, like all residents at Comerwicke, with a secure, affordable place to live in an area they know and love.”

Four additional sites are currently under construction by AJC Group, including a development on Lindsay Road, The Sloop, and Herbert Avenue – in Poole – while The Sonnet apartment scheme is in Bournemouth.