THE face of Dorset could change radically as council chiefs prepare to back plans for 40,000 new homes, another terminal at Bournemouth Airport and a shake-up of sea, road and rail links.

As revealed in Friday's Daily Echo, up to 18,300 new homes are set to be built in Bournemouth over the next 20 years, while Poole will see over 11,000 new properties and Christchurch up to 3,900.

The proposals, which are included in the South East Dorset Strategy, have been prepared jointly by Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset councils.

Cabinet members at Dorset County Council are set to discuss them on Wednesday.

The strategy covers the South East Dorset conurbation, from Highcliffe in the east to Wareham in the west and northwards to embrace Verwood.

New homes are also proposed at Pardy's Hill, Corfe Mullen (700), Wimborne North (600), Cuthbury, Wimborne (200), and Parley Cross, West Parley (900).

In addition, the strategy proposes bringing forward the development of Bournemouth Airport as a regionally significant employment site - as well as building a new terminal - and highlights the importance of the Poole Bridge Regeneration Initiative.

Improvements to air, sea, rail and road links to other parts of Britain and Europe, specifically the A31 to Poole corridor, are also planned.

Director of environmental services Miles Butler said with a population of over 400,000, South East Dorset was the second largest urban area in the South West and had seen significant growth over many years.

"In the future it will strengthen and develop its regional, national and international role within its outstanding environment and be recognised internationally as a prime example of a sustainable conurbation," he said.

Councillors will hear that up until 2016 there would be an excess of supply over jobs, after which there would be a very significant shortfall of economically active people.

Mr Butler added: "With regard to public attitudes, the consultation exercise held early in 2005 showed that accelerated growth was viewed with some suspicion, while present growth rates were thought to be more likely to deliver a balanced environment.

"Nevertheless, there was widespread concern about how to generate more affordable housing."

The South West Regional Assembly, which is responsible for the strategy, is due to send a "deposit" version of the document to the Secretary of State in March.

First published: October 24