FOUR “affordable” homes could be built on pasture to the west of Brackendale in Axminster Road, Charmouth.

An ‘in principal” planning application has been submitted to Dorset Council for the 3,700 square metre triangular-shaped site on the northern edge of the village.

Previous planning applications, for between one and three open market homes, have been agreed in the past, the most recent in 2020, but never built.

According to planning agents there is a need for affordable homes in the area with 13 applicants on the housing register who identify Charmouth as their preferred location – more than half of the village residents are over 60.

The planning applications says that two trees will need to be removed to create an access to the site and that some work might need to be completed, if the homes are approved, on ensuring foundations are not prone to land instability.

New trees will be planted and a landscaping schedule agreed with Dorset Council if the application is allowed.

Public comments on the application remain open until August 1st – Dorset Council planning reference 2023/03278.