Nearly a thousand new homes are to be built in Gillingham after what’s believed to be the largest land transaction conducted in Dorset for several years.

National property consultancy Carter Jonas, and Yeovil-based commercial property agent Chesters Harcourt, have completed the sale of the residential development site to Redrow Homes Southern Counties.

The housebuilder acquired the land with the benefit of consent for 961 units as part of the Gillingham Strategic Southern Expansion.

When complete, the 143-acre (58 hectare) development will also include public open spaces and a local centre.

According to Carter Jonas, it has the potential to provide a mix of retail, community, health and leisure amenities and will also provide much-needed affordable housing.

James Bainbridge and Steve Morris of Carter Jonas’ Oxford and Bristol Planning & Development teams and Nigel Jones of Chesters Harcourt sold the site.

Andrew Hodgson of Welbeck Land acted as promoter on behalf of the private landowners.

Steve Morris of Carter Jonas, pictured left, said: “The Gillingham Strategic Southern Expansion is set to become a popular new community.

“The sale to Redrow is a very positive step in building that community.”

Jack Allan, Land Director at Redrow Homes Southern Counties, added: “We are delighted with how smoothly this transaction was completed.

“We are now looking forward to delivering the much-needed housing in Gillingham.”