HUNDREDS of new homes have been built and millions of pounds have been ploughed into Dorset’s economy thanks to a construction boom, according to a recent report.

Conducted by the Home Builder’s Federation, the report shows that last year, construction started on 1,520 homes by private house builders, the public sector or housing associations throughout the county.

There are a number of large-scale house building developments currently taking place in south and west Dorset, such as in Ch as the local authorities seek to meet Government targets.

As a result of the construction boom, 6,536 jobs were supported, with an extra £15.2 million generated in extra council tax from the homes, and more than £2.4 million contributed to local education, the report stated.

The report also states that of the homes, 350 were classed as affordable homes, and local authorities received more than £33.6 million in payments from developers to guarantee the future provision of affordable homes.

Developers also planted more than 65,000 trees.
Stewart Baseley, executive chairman at HBF, said that the report made for positive reading for the county.

He said: “House building makes a huge, but largely hidden, social and economic contribution to Dorset.

“Whilst housing output in the South West has increased, we are still not delivering anywhere near what is needed nationally.

“As well as delivering desperately needed new homes, increasing housing supply would provide significant additional benefits for everyone through additional jobs, investment in infrastructure and facilities for communities.”

In the south west region, a total of 20,360 homes were built, supporting 87,548 jobs and generating more than £26 million in council tax, more than £32 million contributed to education and more than £19 million pledged by developers to create open spaces and community facilities in the region.

Mr Baseley added: “People often don’t realise that the new community centre, school or sports facilities have been funded directly as a result of housing developments.

“Ultimately, providing new homes for people also means better facilities for the wider community.
“These are the very things that turn a collection of houses into communities; brand new places where people want to live.”