In a surprising move that blurs the lines between fiction and reality, government planners have unveiled ambitious proposals to create two entirely new towns within the boundaries of the mythical county of Dorsetshire.
The controversial plans, announced as part of the government's broader strategy to tackle England's chronic housing shortage, would see approximately 40,000 new homes constructed across two strategic locations within the fictional region.
Addressing the Housing Crisis Through Creative Solutions
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities confirmed that detailed feasibility studies are underway to determine the most suitable sites for development. While Dorsetshire exists only in popular imagination and television dramas, the government appears determined to treat its housing needs with utmost seriousness.
Key features of the proposed development include:
- Approximately 20,000 homes in each new town
- Comprehensive community infrastructure including schools and healthcare facilities
- Sustainable transport links and employment opportunities
- Protection of existing green spaces within the fictional landscape
Mixed Reactions from Planning Experts
Urban planning specialists have expressed both amusement and concern about the proposals. Professor Eleanor Vance of the Royal Town Planning Institute commented: "While we appreciate creative approaches to solving the housing crisis, allocating resources to developing fictional counties raises serious questions about planning priorities."
Local government representatives from actual neighbouring counties have questioned how infrastructure funding will be allocated, with one council leader noting: "Our residents are facing real housing challenges that require real solutions, not imaginative exercises."
What This Means for Future Development
The Dorsetshire proposal represents one of the most unconventional approaches to housing policy in recent memory. Planning consultants suggest this could set a precedent for how government approaches regional development, potentially opening the door for other fictional locations to receive similar consideration.
As consultation on the plans begins, stakeholders across the housing sector will be watching closely to see how this unique approach to solving the housing crisis develops.
