DOZENS of new homes look set to be given the go-ahead in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty despite massive protest from residents.

North Dorset District Council planners are recommending app-roval to Westbury Homes Ltd's plans to build 60 homes, including social and low-cost housing, at Langton Long, as well as a children's play area, just outside Blandford.

Around 50 protesters sent in written objections to the scheme and a 101-signature petition was submitted to council planners.

There were also objections from Langton Long Parish Council.

Many were opposed to the plans on grounds of over-development, loss of view, access difficulties and houses being too large and out of keeping in the conservation area.

But after a site visit was carried out the planners are recommending approval to the committee.

In a report, planning officer James Lytton-Trevers states the plans are in accordance with the Local Plan which says up to 65 homes could be built at the site.

It also says: "The site is within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Countryside Agency has always been consulted on the Local Plan.

"They have pointed out that the council should ensure 'that standards of landscaping and design are high, using materials which are appropriate to the area and local character'." He added that traffic-calming measures would be installed in Langton Road, the site would be low-density and construction traffic would not be given access on to the Blandford bypass.

The application was due to be discuss on Tuesday November 20.