PARISH chiefs in Corfe Mullen have expressed concerns over plans to build up to 700 new homes in the village's Green Belt.

In a letter to the chief executive of the South West Regional Assembly, the council recognises the need for affordable housing but states that environmental issues, lack of facilities and poor infrastructure might well outweigh the arguments for losing some of the Green Belt.

Proposals for the new homes in the area around Pardys Hill are included in the Draft Regional Spatial Strategy and councillors will be submitting a full response in the spring following the outcome of the village's parish plan survey.

Council chairman Cllr Peter Haward said: "We all know that there is a need for more affordable housing, especially for the younger generation in the village, who find it impossible to get on the housing ladder.

"Right to buy legislation has led to much of the social housing being lost and there are families in the area who need such housing.

"But we have to ask ourselves if there are enough facilities to take 700 more families. Public transport is very poor in the area and the roads leading in and out of the village are already heavily used.

"I would like to urge all Corfe Mullen residents to think long and hard about what is best for the future of the village and return their completed questionnaires without delay."

If residents have not received their parish plan questionnaire, or need extra copies for other members of their household, they should contact the parish council office on 01202 698600 or call in any weekday between 9.30am and 12 noon.