FEARS are growing about a planned development near a popular beauty spot which locals claim will 'destroy the unique landscape and atmosphere'.

As reported, plans have been announce to bulldoze the Pulpit Inn at Portland Bill and build a café-bar and homes in its place. The development would include apartments and houses and 'Hobbit-style' glamping pods cut into the sloping ground behind the pub.

A selection of initial ideas were unveiled in an online consultation.

The applicant, Koori Ltd, says it is keen to work with residents and groups to create a new design that is of high quality. It says the proposals are an opportunity to update the facilities at Portland Bill.

Plans have yet to be lodged with Dorset Council.

Amid growing concern about the plans, people living near the site have formed a new pressure group, Protect Portland Bill.

They fear an increase in residents, campers and traffic pollution will damage the Bill’s fragile ecosystem, which is known for its richness of unusual flora, fauna and geology.

They also fear increased light pollution will ruin the spot’s 'global reputation' as an important location for stargazing and birdwatching.

Members do not object to the renovation of the pub, but are concerned the proposed glamping pods and housing development will harm the landscape and become second homes or holiday lets.

Sue McGarel from the group said: “A crucial argument against further development at the Bill is its local, national, and international importance as an area of nature conservation.

“It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, a site of geological and archaeological importance, home to two scheduled monuments and several listed buildings.

“Bird watchers come here to see a huge variety of birds, both native and those resting at the Bill during their migration journey.”

She added: “There is an enormous range of wildflowers and lichens, insects, butterflies and migratory moths, reptiles, and mammals great and small, some found only on Portland or at the Bill, others that are extremely rare or on the endangered list. Any development will disrupt the fragile ecosystem and some species may be lost forever.”

Dale Spree, who set up the Protect Portland Bill Facebook page said it had been joined by people from all over the world.

She said: “Within a week we had over a thousand members and now we have in excess of 1,300. We literally have people from all around the world as well as all parts of the UK joining us, registering their views and adding photos, memories and support.

“Needless to say, the views on developing Portland Bill are all negative.”

For more information about the group see the Protect Portland Bill Facebook page or visit www.protectportlandbill.org