The 48-home affordable housing scheme, delivered by Poole-based AJC Group in partnership with Aster Group, is located at Glue Hill in Sturminster Newton.
All of the homes will be allocated for affordable rent or shared ownership.
Following planning approval last year, work officially began with an on-site event attended by Simon Hoare, the Conservative MP for North Dorset, along with representatives from Dorset Council, AJC Group and Aster Group.
AJC Group with partners as they begin construction at Sturminster Newton. (Image: Antler Agency)
Mr Hoare said: “Developments like this are exactly what our rural towns and villages need to remain vibrant and sustainable places to live.
“It’s particularly encouraging to see a scheme that delivers genuinely affordable homes while respecting the character of the local area.
“The inclusion of 18 bungalows is also hugely important, providing much-needed homes for people who want to downsize while staying in the communities they love.”
The first phase of homes is expected to be handed over to Aster Group in early 2027.
Michael Young, construction director at AJC Group, said: “It’s great to see work now underway on this carefully designed scheme in the heart of Blackmore Vale, and we’re delighted that all 48 homes will be dedicated to affordable housing for local families in partnership with Aster Group.”
Located just south of the A357, the 2.59-hectare site includes two-, three-, and four-bedroom homes, private gardens, green space, and a play area.
The scheme forms part of AJC Group’s ‘500 in 5’ mission to deliver 500 affordable homes in five years across the Wessex region.