ANOTHER 53 homes have been approved for Poundbury - despite the Duchy of Cornwall slashing the number of affordable properties in the scheme.

Councillors yesterday backed the latest phase for Prince Charles' dream village, giving permission for 53 homes to be created on land off Bridport Road.

The scheme will see 18 three and four bedroom homes built, while another 23 houses and 12 flats will also be created on the Bridport Road and Billingsmoor Lane junction.

The project will also include a number of light industrial units, the meeting of West Dorset District Council's development control east committee heard. Members were told the Duchy initially proposed to include 19 affordable homes in the project.

But planning officer Andrew Martin said that figure had since been reduced to ten units after complaints from locals.

"The decision was partly due to pressure from the Poundbury Residents' Association," he said.

Brian Taylor, who lives in Billingsmore Lane, said he was 'concerned' over the number of affordable homes in the scheme.

Councillors hit out at those Poundbury residents who were critical of social housing. Coun Stella Jones said the design of the scheme fitted in with the rest of the village and added: "We don't want only rich, middle aged people buying houses in Poundbury."

Coun Stephen Friar said: "I get the impression that those people against affordable housing think awful people are going to move into cheap housing next door to them."

Mr Martin said the Duchy's decision would not affect its affordable housing obligation for the entire Poundbury estate.

Kelvin Henwood, of Poundbury Residents' Association, told the meeting that although he supported the scheme, residents were concerned over proposed car parking levels.

Andrew Hamilton, of the Duchy, conceded car parking at Poundbury was a problem which he hoped would ease once building work was reduced.