Land North of Oakley Lane

ECE Architecture

A sensitive first phase for a new neighbourhood in Merley, inspired by Dorset’s landscape and the historic setting of Canford Magna, delivering 285 homes and SANG.

Shaped by its valley setting, this first phase establishes a place with depth and continuity. We drew on local character and Canford Magna’s heritage to craft architecture that feels rooted, contemporary, and deliverable within the wider mixed-use vision.

Working as part of the wider design team, we designed 253 of the dwellings, with over 40% affordable housing across affordable rent and shared ownership, creating choice and accessibility. SANG provision, woven through the masterplan, enhances ecology and everyday wellbeing with legible walking routes, natural play, and riverside connections. This landscape-led structure anchors the first phase, setting a clear blueprint for subsequent mixed-use delivery.

Commissioned following outline approval for the overall masterplan, we collaborated with consultants to validate materials and typologies against the code, ensuring quality is matched by buildability. From strategy to detail, we safeguarded a commercially robust scheme that can be delivered with confidence.

Working to the approved parameter plans and an extensive design code, we created two complementary identity areas, each with its own architectural and landscape language. These areas reference authentic Dorset typologies – materials, proportions, roofscapes – and are bound together by a robust green and blue infrastructure.

The result is a coherent streetscape that reads as local, considered, and resilient, translating the natural setting into a connected network of routes, spaces, and views across the Stour valley.

Rooted in Dorset’s character and Canford Magna’s historic setting, this first phase establishes a confident, connected place. By uniting design quality, commercial clarity, and technical integrity, it sets the tone for a successful neighbourhood with lasting value.