Hampshire-headquartered housebuilder Bargate has secured an Option Agreement for 16ha (39.6-acres) of land within the Dorset village of Burton, near Christchurch. The site will be promoted through the planning system for an exemplary, sustainable development of up to 100 homes.
Located north of Salisbury Road, the expansive land parcel presents an opportunity to deliver a landscape-led, sustainable addition to Burton, which currently has a population of around 4,000. The highly desirable rural village is close to the coastal towns of Bournemouth and Christchurch. Renowned for its community ethos, family-focused facilities and scenery, Burton also benefits from convenient access to the New Forest National Park.
Despite strong competition from national PLCs and other regional housebuilders, Bargate has been selected as the preferred development partner by the landowner and their advisers. The firm has appointed masterplanning specialists Mosaic and planning consultancy tor&co to develop the initial strategy and design approach. A public consultation exercise is underway for local people to provide their input.
Adam Field, Development Partner at Bargate, said: “Securing this landmark site in such a prized location is tremendous for the Bargate business and brand. Located within the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) administrative area, this site will support our continued westward expansion and complements existing Bargate developments at Hordle and Pennington.
“We are pleased to be working with our trusted consultants to embark on the initial design and engage with local people and stakeholders. This parcel of land offers a rare opportunity to respond to Burton’s housing needs and propose an exemplary scheme, including all the design detailing the Bargate brand has become synonymous with over the past two decades.”
Bargate reports that green space would remain a key feature of the site. The initial design ideas focus the new housing on the southern field, while the western parcel, known as Winkton Fields, will continue to function as playing fields, and the eastern parcel is proposed as a significant area of open space. The residential design will respect the setting of the Winkton Conservation Area and local character. An allocation of affordable housing would be delivered in partnership with Bargate’s parent company VIVID.
Bargate’s plans will enhance biodiversity and natural habitats, while also creating a sensitive transition from village to countryside. A comprehensive landscape strategy would be drawn up, incorporating Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) and a range of formal and informal play areas.
Prior to the submission of any planning application, a detailed assessment of the local area will be undertaken to ensure that Bargate’s development proposals are sensitive and complementary to the existing character and setting. Particular attention will be placed on maximising the number of homes that benefit from the attractive easterly views over the adjoining rural edge.
The new homes would be constructed to the highest energy performance standard, while featuring traditional architectural detailing to reflect the local vernacular and appeal to aspirational buyers. Parking for each new home would be allocated on-plot, within parking bays or garages.
The village of Burton is well-served by local amenities, including shops, schools, and community facilities. Burton C of E Primary School is half a mile from the site, while Christchurch train station is only two miles away. Direct trains to London Waterloo take two hours.
Established in 2006, Bargate is a regional housebuilder headquartered in Fair Oak, operating across the south coast region. Bargate retained a coveted five-star rating in the 2026 Home Builders Federation (HBF) Customer Satisfaction Survey.
230 energy-efficient hand-crafted houses and apartments were handed over to customers during the recently completed 2025/6 financial year. Bargate’s growth trajectory is supported by live planning applications equating to a total gross development value in the region of £460m.