PLANS have been unveiled to build dozens of new homes on a field in East Dorset.

Dorset Country Homes has submitted an outline application to Dorset Council for a development of 69 properties and the creation of a new access road onto the land south of Lambs Green Lane, Corfe Mullen.

The local authority's planning department is only assessing the access part of the scheme, with all other matters reserved.

However, details of the proposed development are included in a design and access statement produced by Dorchester-based Fisher + Fisher Design Associates on behalf of the applicants.

The statement says: "Corfe Mullen has become an emerging area and our scheme will not only address a housing need, but also contribute to the long term growth future economy.

"This masterplan aims to provide an attractive housing scheme which draws upon the idea that the area was once part of the village that has built up over time. This enables the scheme to have character and architectural variety across the site.

"The proposals would bring some much needed housing to the area and the mix would also bring in a variety of properties, including affordable, that are in short supply in Corfe Mullen."

The plans suggest a potential housing mix of nine one-bed, 32 two-bed, 10 three-bed, six four-bed, nine five-bed and three six-bed properties, with 24 of the homes being "affordable dwellings".

The site's northern boundary is opposite the The Lambs' Green Inn, with the proposed access for the development coming off Wimborne Road.

"The proposals seek to coincide with policy and aims to ensure its design is not detrimental to neighbouring properties," the statement added.

"All things considered, a conscious effort has been made to produce a scheme that satisfies the relevant criteria and coincides with policy.

"We believe that this scheme adheres to relevant criteria and policy, whilst also providing an attractive location for future inhabitants to live."

Residents have until August 20 to submit their comments on the proposals to Dorset Council planners.