AJC Group secures planning approval for 78 Dorset homes after appeal
Regional housebuilder AJC Group has secured planning permission for 78 homes in Okeford Fitzpaine, Dorset, after overturning the council’s refusal of its application on appeal.
The detailed proposals for a 3.4-hectare site north of Castle Lane include a mix of one- to four-bedroom houses and apartments, with at least 31 homes designated as affordable housing for local people through affordable rent and shared ownership.
The development will sit next to Comerwicke Fields, a 27-home scheme delivered by AJC Group as 100% affordable housing and completed in 2023.
Appeal overturns council refusal
AJC Group submitted its application for the second phase in 2025. Dorset Council’s planning committee refused the proposals despite planning officers recommending approval, prompting the developer to appeal. A Planning Inspector heard the case in August 2026.
READ MORE: Morgan Sindall Construction opens new regional headquarters for South West
Simon McFarlane, Planning Director at AJC Group, said: “This development should never have needed an appeal.
“It was recommended for approval by the council’s own professional planning officers, yet its refusal has delayed 78 much-needed homes and resulted in substantial additional costs running into hundreds of thousands of pounds for a regional SME housebuilder trying to support the area.
“We employ local people and work with local trades and suppliers to deliver our developments, so delays like this have consequences beyond the homes themselves.
“At a time when Dorset urgently needs more housing, the planning system should be supporting responsible local developers to get on and build, not creating unnecessary and costly barriers.”
Proposals include landscaping and open space, a sustainable drainage system and new pedestrian connections linking the development with Comerwicke Fields, the village recreation ground and the village centre.
READ MORE: Bellway gives students insight into timber frame housebuilding
The scheme will add to AJC Group’s existing presence in Okeford Fitzpaine, where its previous development provided affordable homes.
The new project will combine market and affordable housing, with the affordable provision intended for local people.
Construction programme to follow
AJC Group specialises in affordable housing and works with housing associations and local authorities across the Wessex region. The company says it is ahead of schedule with its target to deliver 500 affordable homes within five years, under its ‘500 in 5’ mission.
The developer will now progress the Okeford Fitzpaine scheme, with further details of the construction programme expected to be announced in due course.
