DESPERATE islanders have begged planning chiefs to give the green light for cheap homes to be built on Portland.

Developer David Stevens says he is poised to apply for permission to construct 150 homes costing between £70,000 and £100,000.

So far 124 people have registered their interest in the Foundation Homes project, which Mr Stevens says could close the affordable housing gap if planners agree to designate the land as rural exception sites.

Days after a report named Weymouth and Portland as the most difficult place in the country for young couples trying to get on the property ladder, three young women have told the Echo how buying their own home seems like an impossible dream.

Former Royal Manor head girl Katy Pascoe and husband Daniel pay monthly rent of £575 to share a home with their extended family, including daughters Charlotte, two, and new-born Alexandria.

Mrs Pascoe, 26, of High Street, Southwell, who can trace her island roots back to 1610, said: "The future is frightening - we are nearly priced out of the rented market now.

"My husband earns £24,000 as a skilled tradesman and I've got no choice but to return to work as a youth worker. Foundation Homes is our only chance of getting our own home."

She urged planners: "Please grant planning permission for these houses so local people can give their children security. We are the ones keeping Portland's culture and traditions alive."

Natalie and Gareth Duncan have three children and rent a two-bed housing association flat in Courtlands Road for £262 a month.

Store manager Natalie, 25 and Gareth, 31, a marine fitter, can't get a mortgage.

Mrs Duncan said: "Owning our own house with a garden for the children to play in seems like a dream.

"I'm crossing my fingers for planning permission - it's our only chance of getting on the ladder.

"We will be devastated if this does not work out, I think the council would be stupid not to do it because it's not fair on local people if they have to move away."

Post Office worker Holly Parnell, 20, and her partner Dale, 25, who owns a computer repair service, live with her parents in Reforne because they can't afford their own home.

Miss Parnell said: "My situation is absolutely impossible -- I've always lived in Weymouth and Portland but I'm worried we will be forced to move away.

"Foundation Homes is offering a lifeline by keeping local people here."

Mr Stevens said: "The council should be welcoming me with open arms.

"It's the domino effect - if I build 150 houses and move people out of rented units that releases flats for people on the housing list or reduces the waiting time for people languishing in bed and breakfasts.

"The authority gains in council tax, can afford better services for everyone while keeping key workers and giving these people their pride back."

Borough planning manager Simon Williams said: "There are no specific rural exception sites applying to Weymouth and Portland as it is not substantially a rural area.

"Mr Stevens has not come to us with any proposals related to any sites within the borough regarding this matter.

"Therefore, it is difficult for us to comment even informally on any suggestions."