24 lower-cost homes set to support local families in North Dorset

24 new lower cost homes in Marnhull near Sturminster Newton are set to benefit local people.

The Aster Group development at Durbeyfield Park provides a mix of two, three and four-bedroom houses, designed to help families find a home they can afford in the area.

Of the 24 homes, 17 will be available for affordable rent and seven are offered through shared ownership.

Cllr Nick Ireland Leader of Dorset Council said: “Homes people can afford is one of the biggest issues facing our rural communities. These new homes at Durbeyfield Park will make a real difference for local families and individuals who want to stay in the area. They are good quality, energy-efficient homes that are built to last and reflect the character of the village.

“We’ve just had Rural Housing Week which is a chance to highlight why schemes like this matter so much. They support local people, strengthen communities and help ensure Dorset remains a place where everyone can live well.”

The national campaign is led by the National Housing Federation to highlight the importance of affordable housing in rural areas and the role it plays in keeping communities strong and sustainable.

High house prices and limited supply mean many people struggle to stay in the villages where they work or have family connections.

The homes, built by Dorchester based CG Fry & Son, have a traditional look that reflects the local character of Marnhull, alongside a high-quality finish and careful attention to detail.

They include modern features to help reduce energy use and running costs, such as air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging points.

While the affordable rented homes will be ready for residents shortly, a number of shared ownership sales are progressing, with some still available.

Amanda Williams, Aster Group Chief Investment Officer, said: “Affordable housing plays an important role in supporting rural communities and helping local people access homes that meet their needs. At Durbeyfield Park, we’re proud to be delivering these new high-quality, energy-efficient homes that will help customers manage their living costs and enjoy the benefits of a modern home.

“The shared ownership homes will also provide an affordable route onto, or back onto, the housing ladder for those who may otherwise be priced out of the local market. By providing a mix of tenures, we're helping to meet local housing need and giving more people with a connection to the area the opportunity to continue to live in a place they call home.”

Durbeyfield Park is one of a number of housing developments being delivered across Dorset to help meet local need and support the council’s priority of providing more high-quality homes.

Mike Crawford, Development Construction Director at CG Fry & Son, said: “We are proud to have delivered these new homes at Durbeyfield Park in partnership with Aster and Dorset Council.

“The development has been carefully designed to reflect the character and heritage of Marnhull, combining traditional architecture with modern, energy-efficient features that will benefit residents for years to come. We are delighted to see the homes now ready to welcome their new residents.”

The homes are expected to be advertised in October, and eligible applicants will be able to bid for the homes through Dorset Home Choice. Applicants will also need to demonstrate they are connected to Dorset under the local connection criteria.

Rural Housing Week 2026 (7–11 July) shone a spotlight on the need for homes in rural communities.