‘Norchester’ developers have shed more light on how their plans will enhance community and protect nature.
The North Dorchester Consortium, a partnership between Grainger Plc and Wyatt Homes, wants to build up to 3,750 homes to create the North Dorchester Garden Community (NDGC), nicknamed ‘Norchester’ by locals.
The planning application for the first phase – a scheme named Stinsford Hill Neighbourhood – shows 500 dwellings could spring up on land west of the A35 and east of Slyers Lane.
‘New community facilities’
An NDGC newsletter says: “At the heart is a new village centre, designed to become the focus of everyday community life.
“Space has been allocated for local shops, a convenience store, post office, café, pub, hairdresser and other services, centred around a new village green where people can meet, relax and enjoy community events.
“The proposals also include a health hub / nursery provision, community buildings for clubs, activities and local groups and new public spaces designed to bring people together.
“The village centre would support local businesses and jobs.”
‘Protecting nature and the environment’
Another NDGC newsletter claims the project will open up the countryside and enhance nature by planting 1,500 trees and new woodland and species-rich grassland.
Developers pledge to protect hedgerows and predict the scheme will deliver at least 15% Biodiversity Net Gain.
This means that the biodiversity of the land will be at least 15% better after development than it is today.
The newsletter states: “Much of the site is currently private land with very limited public access.
“Our proposals would make more than 50% of the site publicly accessible green space for walking, cycling, playing, picnicking and relaxing, with new parks and spaces to enjoy nature.
“Accessible paths will make it easier for wheelchair users, families with pushchairs and people with limited mobility who find traditional rural footpaths difficult to use.”
Why not build on brownfield land instead?
The newsletter continues: “This is a question we’re often asked. National and local planning policy prioritises brownfield land wherever suitable sites are available. However, Dorset Council’s studies show there is not enough suitable brownfield land to meet the area’s long-term housing needs.
“Like many historic market towns, Dorchester has grown over time by expanding beyond its original boundaries, including onto former agricultural land.”
However, Mark Damon Chutter, chair and academic director of the Thomas Hardy Society, said the proposed development would be larger than Poundbury and must be stopped.
“The concept is not only ill conceived but is ‘cultural vandalism’ of the literary and archaeological heritage of the county town of the highest order.
“Recently, the 27th International Thomas Hardy Society Conference and Festival was held in Dorchester and members were appalled at the potential loss and pure sacrilege of this site.
“The delegates were not against housing but felt that this area was completely inappropriate for development.
“The land not only features in the works of Hardy but also hosts eclectic wildlife and nature.
“Please do voice your objections to the first 500 homes submitted for planning permission to Dorset Council with your concerns around potential flooding, traffic, infrastructure, archaeology, literary heritage and impact on tourism.”
Comments and objections can be lodged here until September 1. You can view the full planning application on the Council’s planning portal using reference P/OUT/2026/03215.
Find out more at the North Dorchester Garden Community website.
You can sign up to receive NDGC newsletters here.
More stories about Norchester
- ‘Not acceptable’: Dorset Council archaeologist objects to 500-home Norchester scheme
- Dorset Council apologises after ‘Norchester’ comments deadline mix-up confuses residents
- Councillors asked to approve an extra £1m for Local Plan after yet another delay
