Letter to
Dorset Highways
National Highways
Barratts
Bovis/ Vistry
DC Planning Team
Bridport’s DC Councillors
Foundry Lea (FL) and the Miles Cross Roundabout (MC)
I am writing on behalf of ADVEARSE which has since 2012 been involved in monitoring the plans for the massive development at Vearse Farm Bridport. We are writing to the organisations listed above all to seek assurances about the development of the roundabout at Miles Cross. ( thereafter MCR ) We would ask for a response from each of you which will be shared.
For the moment we will not dwell on the absurdity of the Dorset Council decision to allow construction before the roundabout is completed or the failure of any party to give the local community assurance that the Construction Traffic Management Plans for FL (Foundry Lea) and MCR will be coordinated.
The Foundry Lea Working Group meeting on Feb 26th was postponed because the developers had yet to resolve issues with both Dorset Council and National Highways about MC. There is mounting concern in the community about whether the roundabout will be built. Foundations for houses are going up and we anticipate pressure from the developers to sell and occupy houses. The FL Newsletter which talked about MC work starting in September 2024 with completion by September 2025.
With the holiday periods fast approaching we cannot see completion before summer 2026. Granted the legal agreement which will not permit occupation until the roundabout is complete, we might have anticipated greater urgency from the developers to resolve the issues with DC Highways and National Highways. There has been no FL Newsletter since May 2024, and we would ask for some assurances.
1.Can all parties recommit to the construction of the roundabout at MC?
2. Will Dorset Planners confirm that they will uphold the legal agreement to the letter?
3. Will Dorset Councillors ensure that the Planners uphold the legal agreement.?
It would be helpful for the local community to know from National Highways and Dorset Highways what are the issues which remain to be resolved.
We had hoped to have raised this issue within the FL Working Group but at 5 weeks from the postponed meeting and no word we will be going public with our concerns
We look forward to hearing from you.
Barry Bates – Chair