CONTROVERSIAL plans have been put together which could see 145 houses built on land west of Crossways in Purbeck.

Hallam Land are trying to build the homes, along with a ‘suitable alternative natural greenspace (SANG), adjacent to the Oaklands Park residential estate and just six miles from Dorchester.

The SANG would include wildflower planting areas and a network of accessible footpaths that connect into the wider public rights of ways network.

Hallam said its design aims to be an attractive and functional greenspace that supports recreation while delivering ecological and environmental benefits.

A consultation was held about the plans on September 10, 2024, where residents could comment their thoughts on the proposal.

Some residents raised concerns with the potential impact on the West Link – the preferred vehicular access point for the development- as well as the impact any new houses would have on existing infrastructure such as GPs.

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One commenter said: “Stop expanding Crossways without any infrastructure improvements. It’s now the size of a town.

“The tiny GP already cannot cope with numbers of patients. Stop destroying our countryside!”

The commenter added that the plans would be “fought heavily” and that a “large group” of residents are in opposition to the plans.

Others pointed to the slow sale of new-build houses in the area, prompting questions over whether the new houses are needed in the area.

In the plans, Hallam said that the site had been identified by Dorset Council as a draft housing allocation within the emerging Dorset Local Plan.

Plans to build 49 houses at the site were previously withdrawn in January 2018.

Residents previously told your Purbeck Gazette that Crossways was being used as a “dumping ground” for homes, as 140 new homes were approved to the west of the village in 2019.

CJ Shaw said: “Once again, Crossways gets used as a dumping ground to help the council to meet its housing targets.

The development will draw upon the character of Crossways according to the plan Picture: Hallam

“There are hundreds of other villages that could take their share of new development and be extended, even slightly, but it always seems that we are the easy target for urbanisation for no other reason than the greed of landowners willing to sell.

“Where are the extra infrastructure requirements to cope with this increase in population? Bigger schools? More shops and amenities? Better roads? Better medical facilities? Increased bus services?

“Where is the outrage that prime agricultural land is to be given over to yet another poorly planned housing estate, with trees destroyed and wild spaces concreted over, while our historical heritage is once again smashed to pieces?

“At this rate, the village will soon become a small town with no central hub, little local employment opportunities and all the social problems that this will bring.”

Others suggested that the national housing crisis means that tough decisions must be made to ensure everyone has a home.

Mr N Pridmore said: “There is such a crisis people can’t get on the ladder any more.”

He added: “Correct infrastructure is always looked at with planning. Crossways is a dump. Why not want to improve it? It needs it.

“Plus, it has quick access to Weymouth and Dorchester with great train links.

“That is an ideal location, and it has scope, huge scope for growth.”

To view and comment on the plans, visit planning.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk and search reference P/OUT/2025/01234