TWO North Dorset planning applications which could bring 150 new homes to the area will be decided this week.

Dorset Council’s northern area planning committee is being asked to consider an outline application for 39 homes off Butts Close, Marnhull and a full consent for 114 homes at North Honeymead Field, North Fields, Sturminster Newton - a development which already has outline permission.

Marnhull parish council has objected to the Butts Close application, where half of the homes are designated as ‘affordable’ homes.

The parish says it has concerns about a safe walking route into the village and the effect of extra traffic on lanes in the area. It claims the use of the site will be detrimental to the character of the village and the countryside and will increase pressure on local services.

Read more: Weymouth Fish and Chip shops fear for industry as war drives up prices

The farm field is also outside the development boundary of Marnhull and within 200metres of the the church of St Gregory and two other listed buildings.

Seventeen letters of objection were sent to Dorset Council raising similar concerns, also mentioning noise pollution, loss of views to homes in Butts Close and the impact on wildlife.

The application follows a previous, larger, applications for the site and adjoining land which initially put forward 74 homes, was reduced to 58, and then withdrawn.

The Sturminster Newton proposal, which is being recommened for approval, is for the details of the scheme, incuding layout and landscape, for 114 houses being put forward by Bellway Homes Ltd. The site,  to the north of Sturminster Newton, borders the town's Football Club pitch with Sturfit Leisure Centre and Sturminster Newton High School further to the west.

Read more: Archaeological dig to take place at Weymouth MFA Bowl site

Ward councillors and the town council have asked for a committee decision on the application after some concerns about aspects of the layout and housing types.

The scheme includes 11 one-bed flats; 30 two-bed homes; 55 three-bed with 18 four-bed – the site to have 29 ‘ affordable’ homes clustered in four areas.

The field is within the Blackmore Vale and Vale of Wardour National Character Area.

The town council says it has worried about the access to the site for emergency services and utility vehicles, with concerns expressed by others over the design and layout of some of the homes.

A report to the committee by planning officers says that in view of changes the developer has made in response to earlier comments councillors are being recommended to approve the proposals.