Town council asks people to have their say on major developments

Two major development issues are to be considered at town council meetings, and residents are being encouraged to have their say.

Bridport Town Council’s meeting on Tuesday 18 September will hear from Dorset County Council representatives on their plans for development sites at Flood Lane and Fisherman’s Arms.

Town clerk Will Austin said: “We know how important these sites are to the town, and we’re pleased that we’ll be getting a progress report along with an opportunity for public input.”

County councillor Jill Haynes will lead the presentation at Bridport Town Hall from 7pm on 18 September.

No planning application has been submitted, and Mr Austin said this was a good time for local involvement.

“This is a chance for the local community to help develop the county council’s ideas, and to say what we want to see happen at the two sites before a formal planning proposal is made. I hope residents will come along and take advantage of the opportunity.”

Separately, the town council’s planning committee is set to hear about another high profile local issue. Its meeting on Monday 24 September (7pm, Bridport Town Hall) will include a presentation by the team hoping to build up to 285 ‘smart eco-homes’ at a site at Watton Hill.

Mr Austin said this was another chance for the town to get involved. “The site isn’t in Bridport parish, but the proposals have caused a lot of local debate and could have quite an impact on the town. The ideas haven’t reached the planning application stage yet, and I would hope the developers will use this meeting to listen to the comments, questions and concerns of the public before going any further.”