A COMMUNITY is set to almost double in size under plans to build 500 homes and provide new facilities.

In a move that marks further expansion of Crossways and will help boost jobs and provide homes for families, a proposal has come forward that will effectively create another half of the village.

The scheme for the land south of Warmwell Road has been some years in the making with residents having some input regarding the location of the development and what will be provided.

The proposal from Cavendish & Gloucester Properties Ltd (C&G), which is in two parts, covers a massive chunk of agricultural land and heath of more than 43 hectares. It has been described as biggest planning application in the history of the village.

Developers hope the scheme will establish a clearly identifiable centre or “heart” to the village, which it currently lacks.

Crossways Parish Council will have the opportunity to comment on the scheme. But West Dorset District Council will ultimately decide.

The first phase is a full planning application for 99 homes, a new doctors surgery, village hall, open space, roads, pedestrian crossing, footpaths and cycleways. The second phase, for which outline permission is sought, is for a further 401 homes, employment land, new road and open space, footpaths, cycleways and a pumping station.

The site is earmarked for a mixed use development of homes and community facilities in the local plan.

A document submitted with the application says the homes would be a mix of open market and affordable dwellings – subject to viability. The developer is proposing to make contributions towards schools and environmental projects as well as supporting highway improvements as part of its planning obligations.

It says the provision of of a village hall and doctors surgery will enhance the facilities in Crossways.

The document, prepared by planning consultants on behalf of the London-based residential and commercial property developer C&G says: “The application site is readily accessible to all of the local services and facilities and is close to the village centre where the local shop and post office, library, doctors surgery etc are located.

“The site is also within accepted walking distance of the school and Moreton railway station. It is clearly therefore a sustainable location for new residential development.”

Chairman of Crossways Parish Council Andrew Brewer, whose home backs onto the site said: “It’s a huge scheme, the biggest planning application in Crossways’ history. It’s about the equivalent of Charlton Down.”

He added: “There’s been a lot of horse-trading over this. We had a meeting a few years ago where there was a plan to build 1,500 homes on three different sites around Crossways. Many villagers said their preferred site was off Warmwell Road and we managed to get the number of houses reduced. But we have to be realistic – the pressure is on for land to be developed and Crossways is not within an area of outstanding beauty – there’s gravel underneath most of it.

“There’s mixed views. Some don’t want any further development and wonder what impact it will have, there’s the unknown. But the scheme will bring new facilities, it will create a focal point and it will bring the speed down to 30mph on Warmwell Road.”