Alderholt: Dudsbury Homes submits application to build 1,700 homes

Developer Dudsbury Homes has submitted an application to Dorset Council for permission to build a "21st Century community" at Alderholt Meadows.

The enormous development would see up to 1,700 "family homes" built on land south of Ringwood Road, opposite Alderholt Recreation Ground.

Sketch of Alderholt Meadows proposal. (Image: Dudsbury Homes)

This submission follows a public consultation in July 2022 which included public exhibitions that 450 residents attended alongside a website outlining the planned project.

Feedback from residents highlighted the need for improved essential services, including a doctor's surgery, pharmacy and dentist.

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Developers have promised to improve life for those in the village and said they are "committed to a significant investment in meaningful infrastructure delivery".

The current lack of public transport in the village was also a cause for concern and the developers said the provision of a bus service to Fordingbridge and Ringwood would be a "considerable improvement" for villagers.

Alderholt Meadows would be built opposite a controversial 90k square meter gravel extraction site if both plans are approved. 

See more: ​Residents of Alderholt oppose proposed gravel extraction site

Alderholt currently has a population of around 2,872, according to 2021 Census data.

If the 1,700-home development were to go ahead, the population of Alderholt would more than double.

Alderholt Meadows local centre, market square and hub. (Image: Scott Worsfold Architects and Urban Designers)

Dudsbury Homes has pledged to deliver a £70 million investment into Alderholt's infrastructure.

It also said 35 per cent of housing would be affordable with a new care home being built adjacent to the new market centre.

Improvements would be made to St James’ School to include further school years and a new medical centre will be created.

More than seven miles of new cycle routes and footpaths are also promised.

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Resident Angela Connal moved into her home on Ringwood Road, Alderholt, 38 years ago to run a riding school which is now a livery yard.

She said the development would "greatly impact" her since she'd lose grazing land that she's rented for over 30 years.

Angela added: "The whole character of the village will be destroyed.

"Alderholt does not need or want development of this size and the local plan consultation report has stated that Alderholt is not suitable for this sort of development."

Adrian Hibberd, chairman of Alderholt Parish Council, confirmed that Dorset Council had received the proposal and said he had seen Dudsbury Homes' "wishlist". 

He said he's waiting to see something "in black and white" before passing comments, adding: "Until an application comes forward we're not having a view as such. There are more developers than just Dudsbury Homes trying to do the same thing at the moment.

"Alderholt is surrounded by land that wants to be built on."

To view Dudsbury Homes' pledge, visit consultwithyou.co.uk/dudsburyhomes/alderholt/home#nav.

Dudsbury Homes has been approached for comment.