Town residents protest against housing development

Around 200 people protested from the Save The Area North of Dorchester group

Hundreds of people gathered to protest against council proposal to build more than 3,500 new homes.

Around 200 people from Save The Area North of Dorchester (Stand) turned out in Dorchester to voice their opposition to the development planned for just one mile (1.6km) outside the town.

Campaigners argue the site is one of natural beauty and should not be used for building.

Dorset Council said the North Dorchester Garden Community Development was one site it was consulting on to meet a significant housing need across the county.

Comments on all of the proposals are open to the public until 13 October

The protesters said there was not enough key development detail in the council's consultation process.

"We're all for affordable and social housing but that site is just inappropriate for development," one protester said.

Campaigners argue the site is one of natural beauty

A spokesperson from Dorset Council's planning team said: "We do recognise the importance of protecting our natural environment, heritage, landscapes and ensuring that any future growth is sustainable and sensitive to local character.

"We are undertaking further assessments to fully understand the implications of development."

They added they wanted all residents to participate in a local planned consultation and share their views.

Comments on all of the proposals are open to the public until 13 October.