DISTRICT planning chiefs have agreed plans for 90 new homes at Swanage.

Barratt Homes want to build the new housing estate, with associated landscaping and a suitable alternative natural greenspace, on land west of Northbrook Road.

Purbeck District Council's (PDC) planning committee backed the proposals at their meeting, earlier this month, following a visit to the site.

A report from PDC case officer Andrew Collins, which went before the committee before they debated the issue, recommended granting permission for the scheme.

Developers want to build six one-bedroomed homes, 32 two-bedroomed homes, 39 three-bedroomed homes and 13 four-bedroomed homes.

Of these, 32 will be sold on the open market, with 30 designated as 'affordable' and the remaining nine as 'starter homes'.

The 8.41 hectare site, which has no previous planning history, is comprised of agricultural fields or parts of fields adjacent to the grammar school site, Northbrook Road, Swanage.

Swanage Town Council offered no objection in principle to development of the area for new homes, but did raise concerns over road safety.

However, the proposals did prompt 132 objections from neighbours, residents and the local branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England.

Key worries they raised included the lack of a bus route, a potentially adverse impact on the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and possible traffic congestion.

Residents also aired concerns about the impact of the new homes on existing services in Swanage and the surrounding area.

In his report, Mr Collins said: "The proposal is part of the wider local plan housing provision for the district.

"As such, during the local plan process, statutory undertakers such as the health providers and social services were informed of the proposals and therefore made aware of the increased housing numbers and population.

"Additionally the council has adopted a charging scheduled under the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

"CIL funds raised from new development make a contribution to district-wide infrastructure."

The PDC planning committee meeting took place at Westport House, Worgret Road, Wareham.