Village development given go-ahead by inspector

The homes can be built on land off Butts Close and Schoolhouse Lane in Marnhull

Up to 120 new homes can be built in a village after a planning inspector gave them the go-ahead.

The homes and a new development for Marnhull, Dorset, including a food store with a cafe, offices and two flats, were given permission following an inquiry in April.

The shop complex will be built on land west of Church Hill, and the homes, which got outline permission, can be built on land off Butts Close and Schoolhouse Lane.

Developer Paul Crocker won a second appeal to build in Marnhull in less than a year, having won a first to build 67 homes there in July.

Planning inspector Jonathan Bore said the schemes will "provide much needed housing, including affordable housing" and that they will bring "exceptionally important" benefits to the village.

He approved the most recent plans following an inquiry held between 8 April and 17 April and a site visit.