19 June 2026

SNG (Sovereign Network Group) and the Duchy of Cornwall have completed contracts, confirming the development of 107 affordable homes at Four Paddocks in St Georges Road, Dorchester, where developer CG Fry & Son has started work on site.

With construction now underway, the Mayor of Dorchester, Cllr Les Fry BEM, visited the site to celebrate the start of works and the progress made to date.

The Four Paddocks scheme will be 100% affordable, making it the largest affordable homes scheme delivered in Dorset in many years and a significant boost to the supply of much needed housing for local people.

Of the 107 homes, 66 will be available for Affordable Rent to people on Dorset Council’s housing register, with a further 41 offered through Shared Ownership, providing a more affordable route onto the housing ladder for local people.

The one, two, three and four bed houses and apartments will be built in line with the Duchy’s traditional housing styles, with CG Fry & Son delivering the build as one of the Duchy’s principal developers at nearby Poundbury.

All properties will be of a high quality and will benefit from sustainable features, including air source heat pumps and solar panels. Residents are expected to move into their new homes from late 2027.

“With the Duchy focused on building healthy communities, we’re pleased to be working with SNG and CG Fry & Son to deliver this development, which responds directly to local housing need.

Affordable housing is essential if local communities are to thrive. These homes will help more people stay close to their families, workplaces and support networks, while being part of a well-designed neighbourhood that reflects the character of Dorchester.

We are also proud that the properties have been designed with a range of sustainable features reducing their environmental impact and supporting the Duchy’s ambition of reaching net zero by 2032.”

“We’re delighted to be working with the Duchy of Cornwall to deliver this development at a time when the wider sector is facing significant challenges around housing delivery. It also reflects our commitment to creating well designed, sustainable communities that genuinely meet local needs.

When complete this project will provide high quality, affordable homes for local people in Dorset, enabling them to put down roots, build their futures, and thrive within their communities for generations to come.”

“We’re delighted to be building this fantastic collection of homes at Four Paddocks, providing much-needed affordable housing for the local community. We’re proud to be working in collaboration with the Duchy of Cornwall again and look forward to seeing this exciting development take shape and become a thriving new neighbourhood.”

“Dorset has a significant number of people on its housing waiting list, with around 6,000 individuals currently in need of accommodation. This development represents an exciting opportunity for residents across the county. The provision of a large number of affordable homes, available through both rental and shared ownership schemes, will help address housing needs and provide much-needed support to many local people. I look forward to seeing these homes built and occupied, and to the positive impact they will have on communities across Dorset.”

"We know how challenging it is for many local people to find a home they can afford, particularly in areas like Dorchester where demand is high. That’s why I’m so pleased to see work starting on this 100% affordable housing scheme at Four Paddocks. These new homes will give individuals and families the opportunity to stay in the communities they know and love, putting down roots and contributing to the future of the area. This development is a great example of partnership working delivering real results for Dorset residents.”