ADVEARSE has always viewed the decision about building on Vearse Farm as one of the most important decisions in Bridport’s history. We have campaigned for over 4 years to inform people about the development. We therefore would urge as many people as possible, whether for or against the scheme, to make their comments (follow the links on dorsetforyou.gov.uk). We believe in local democracy and it is important that the WDDC councillors have the fullest idea of what local people think.

We are pleased to see that the scheme includes a significant number of affordable houses – this is vital for the future of Bridport. We are intrigued to see yet more sweeteners – such as a ‘community food growing area and a community orchard in the flood zone ‘. Are they thinking we won’t notice they have also sneaked in over 760 houses?

Hallam claim to have addressed the fears about flooding and traffic. At present the experts at Highways England, Dorset County Council Highways team and Environment Agency all retain their objections to Vearse Farm. We believe that the Councillors will not be able to approve the scheme until these objections have been overcome.

The Vearse Farm development will result in hundreds additional vehicles per hour on West Road/Allington at peak times. We believe this will result in unacceptable levels of congestion and increased dangers for both cyclists and pedestrians along this narrow route.

Hallam claim to have produced a ‘Master Plan’ after ‘extensive work over the past 18 months’, ADVEARSE have researched the creation of Master Plans in other areas of the country and have to tell local people that the Hallam process falls way short of national best practice. As an example, we would cite the fact that nothing is being done about town centre parking which will be badly affected by the new houses. Lack of parking will severely discourage market visitors and holiday makers. One of our members contacted WDDC four weeks ago to ask what provision is to be made to increase the town’s parking capacity and who will pay for it; so far there has been no reply.

Our initial comments hold good. Incremental growth is healthy for towns – Vearse Farm is too many houses too fast; there is no local demand for so many houses and there are no exceptional reasons for building on good farm land in an area of outstanding natural beauty.

We will be using all means at our disposal to inform people about what is proposed and urging opposition to the scheme. We keen to hear from others who share our concerns Our website (http://www.advearse.org.uk/about-advearse/) gives more details and also advice about how you can donate to the campaign.

You can comment on……..

http://webapps.westdorset-weymouth.gov.uk/PlanningApps/Pages/Planning.aspx?App=WD/D/17/000986