WEST Dorset District Council has approved plans for a 46-home residential development in Lyme Regis.

Councillors gave planning permission to developers Bloor Homes for the site at Woodberry Down, off Colway Lane, at the last meeting of the planning committee on January 24.

The planning permission was granted subject to the developers abiding by 17 conditions set by the district council, and they must return to the planning authority with proof the conditions have been met.

These include a water drainage scheme for the site, traffic layouts and full details of the landscaping and building designs.

Coun Robert Gould, leader of West Dorset District Council, said: “Planning consent was granted by the district council for 46 new homes at Woodberry Down, Lyme Regis. The site was allocated as part of the adopted Local Plan.

“We are pleased the new development will contain 16 affordable homes and contribute to the efforts to meet housing needs across West Dorset.”

The site at Woodberry Down was allocated for development as part of West Dorset District Council’s 2006 local plan. The plans were first submitted by developers Bloor Homes following public consultation in June.

More than six acres of land is set for development, with a proposed 46 homes to be constructed, 16 of which being affordable homes set aside for local families.

The 16 affordable houses will consist of four two-bedroom and seven three-bedroom rented houses, and five shared ownership homes, which will be four one-bedroom maisonettes and one two-bedroom house.

The other 30 homes on the site will be of market rate value, with the activity centre Woodberry Down House not included in the plans and to remain in place.

Keith Shaw, from LymeForward Housing Group, welcomed the plans but said they were just ‘scratching the surface’ of the need for affordable homes in the town.

Mr Shaw said: “We are very pleased that it has gone through and think it is going to provide a good amount of affordable housing in Lyme Regis, which will hopefully go to Lyme Regis families.

“This is just scratching the surface for affordable homes in the town, but it is more than we have had in the last ten years.”

Isaac Kibblewhite, land director at Bloor Homes, confirmed construction would start in April.

He added: “Bloor Homes is pleased to confirm that planning permission has been granted this week for our new development of 46 one to five bedroom houses, 35 per cent of which will be affordable homes, in the beautiful sea- side town of Lyme Regis.”