WORK on a new road – which it is hoped will reduce the traffic impact of nearly 1,000 new homes in Gillingham – has been completed.

The 1.3km road, currently known as Principal Street, has been constructed ahead of work on the 961-home development in south Gillingham by Redrow Homes.

Land surrounding the new route will be used for the homes, a primary school, health facilities, sports pitches, play areas, shops and open leisure spaces.

Part of the planning permission for the Gillingham expansion plan was that the road would be constructed first.

And it was enabled after a successful bid by Dorset Council to the government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF), which secured £6.31 million to fund the design, planning approval and construction of the road, which connects the B3092 New Road and B3081 Shaftesbury Road.

As part of the agreement, the council will now recover the money from the housing developers for reinvestment in other housing projects across the county.

Hanson Contracting built the route, which will be adopted by Dorset Council.

However, there will be no through-access along the new route until Redrow Homes has completed its first phase of housing, which includes building a junction at the eastern end of Principal Street on to Shaftesbury Road.

Cllr Ray Bryan, portfolio holder for highways, travel and environment at Dorset Council, said: “Construction of this important link road has been a success in partnership and innovation.

“Through securing government funding for its construction that we will re-use for other housing development projects, and harnessing Hanson’s latest construction methods to minimise the carbon impact, innovation has been at the forefront of this scheme.

“I am delighted to see the road’s completion, unlocking the vital infrastructure to support the development of homes.”

And Cllr David Walsh, portfolio holder for planning, said: “This marks a significant milestone in enabling much needed homes and community facilities.

“We are committed to providing affordable housing and essential facilities, and this road will play a crucial role in achieving that vision.”

Steve Reece, infrastructure grants manager at Homes England, said the funding meant much-needed housing will now be provided in the area.

“We are committed to working with ambitious local authority partners, such as Dorset Council, to create new homes and regenerate places that meet local needs and aspirations,” he said.

“This funding has enabled vital infrastructure to support a new thriving community and will help the council bring forward more affordable homes and community assets that enhance the local area.”