PLANS for a development of "affordable" flats in an East Dorset village have met with a storm of protest from local residents.

Parish councillors at Corfe Mullen insist the village desperately needs affordable homes but East Dorset planners have received almost 80 letters from people objecting to the proposal for green belt land at Blandford Road.

East Boro Housing Trust wants to build 12 flats in two three-storey blocks at the Old Builders Yard with a new access proposed off Pardys Hill.

East Dorset District Council's planning commi-ttee is being recommended to refuse the scheme when it meets next Tuesday.

Members will hear objectors are concerned about the proposed new access, loss of views, overlooking and potential flooding.

They also claim the scheme is contrary to green belt policy.

In a report to the committee, officers say the development would cause harm to the openness of the countryside.

"While the applicant has demonstrated a need for affordable housing in this area, it is not possible to view the inner green belt as an exception to policy," said a spokesman.

"Affordable housing within the Corfe Mullen area needs to be provided within the confines of the urban settlement."

And he added: "The illustrative plans demonstrate that the scale, height and bulk of a proposal for 12 flats on this site will result in buildings that are highly prominent and dominate the landscape.

"The overall proposal is considered to represent inappropriate development in the Green Belt and fails to justify the use for affordable housing in this location."