A MAJOR new neighbourhood for Blandford Forum is set to bring 523 energy-efficient homes, extensive green space and millions of pounds of investment into local infrastructure.
Wyatt Homes has completed the purchase of land to the north and east of Blandford Forum and is preparing to deliver Lancaster Gate – a thoughtfully designed new community that will provide much-needed homes alongside significant benefits for local residents.
Named after the Duchy of Lancaster, which inherited the Manor of Blandford, Lancaster Gate will become Wyatt Homes’ single largest acquisition to date and a showcase for sustainable living. Every home will be built to high energy-efficiency standards and will incorporate a range of low-carbon technologies, including solar PV panels, heat pumps, wastewater heat recovery systems, enhanced insulation and high-performance glazing.
The development has been carefully planned to create a healthy, connected and sustainable place to live. Almost half of the site will be dedicated to publicly accessible open space, including parks, playing fields, woodland and species-rich grassland. An extensive network of walking and cycling routes will encourage active lifestyles while making it easier for residents to explore the development and surrounding countryside without relying on the car.
Shaun Pettitt, Managing Director at Wyatt Homes, said: “Lancaster Gate will be a transformational development for Blandford and a flagship scheme for Wyatt Homes. It will deliver not only much-needed new homes, but also outstanding green spaces, community facilities and long-term investment that will benefit the local area for generations.
“We are creating more than 40 acres of publicly accessible green space, planting over 1,000 trees and delivering significant biodiversity gains through new habitats for birds, bats and pollinators. The result will be a thriving and sustainable community where people can enjoy a high quality of life alongside a richer natural environment.”
As well as providing a wide range of high-quality homes to suit different needs and stages of life, Lancaster Gate will make a substantial contribution to local services and facilities.
The development will generate more than £4.5 million in Section 106 contributions, supporting local library services, bus provision and NHS infrastructure. In addition, Wyatt Homes will deliver a new community hall, which will be transferred to Blandford Forum Town Council, while also providing land for a new school and funding towards local primary and secondary education through Dorset Council.
Part of the site is allocated within the Blandford+ Neighbourhood Plan and will help meet the area’s growing demand for homes while delivering the infrastructure needed to support future growth.
Construction is expected to begin in summer 2026, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for Blandford Forum and bringing lasting social, environmental and economic benefits to the town and wider community.
