PUBLIC comments on the Dorset Council Local Plan have been published - including overwhelmingly negative views on the controversial plan to build 4,000 new homes north of Dorchester.

The comments come amid the first consultation of the draft for the Local Plan, which will shape the future of the area. The consultation was carried out between January and March this year, with around 9,000 respondents taking part during that time.

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Dorset Council said the comments are considered alongside the plan and national planning policy to provide residents across the county with accommodation and employment over the next 17 years.

The plan includes the largest proportion of new house building will be allocated across Dorchester, Weymouth, Chickerell, and surrounding areas, which fall within the Central Dorset geographical area - including proposals for Dorset's largest new housing development of around 4,000 homes on green belt land north of Dorchester.

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Comments on the proposal were overwhelmingly negative, with concerns about increase of traffic and pollution.

Alex Cruddace said: "Seems like an excessive number of new homes practically doubling the current size of the town, traffic and pressure on existing services would be too much."

Rod Dutton said: "The site is way too big for Dorchester's infrastructure to bear and the site is important green space, which is so important to the town."

However, some were in favour of the north of Dorchester development.

Aidan Sykes said: "Please continue and go ahead with the building. This country needs more housing and I am sick and tired of the NIMBYs (not in my back yard) of Dorchester."

The Dorchester North extension has been put forward as a 'preferred option' for housing the Local Plan.

But it has sparked a flurry of objections, with thousands of people signing a petition against it and leading to the formation of the campaign group, Save the Area North of Dorchester (STAND).

Following the publication of responses to the draft plan, Cllr David Walsh, spokesman for Dorset Council Planning, said: "I'm very proud of the work the team is doing.

"We have had representation from across the Dorset Council area. There will be a further chance to comment upon the plan before it is voted on by our full council next year."

More information about the Dorset Council Local Plan can be found at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/dorset-council-local-plan