A DEVELOPER has said a huge bonfire on a field near a Weymouth suburb is in accordance with 'good land management'.

It comes as emergency services were called this afternoon following concerns for animal welfare after a bonfire was lit on land just off Littlemoor Road.

READ MORE: Police called to bonfire in Weymouth

The bonfire was lit on behalf of Weymouth-based developer DJ Property. The site is to the north of Littlemoor Road and to the west of Goulds Garden Centre.

A spokesman from the DJ Property, said: "We purchased this site for development in late 2020, as it's adjacent to the Weymouth Urban Extension, a large proposed mixed-use development, that has planning consent.

"To date we have stripped the site in preparation for future development, but we have yet to submit a planning application.

"I wanted to reassure you that we obtained the necessary consent from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Rescue Service (Controlled Burning Notification) before our works today.

"We have waited some time for the correct weather.

"We're a family-owned, local business and we consider ourselves to be responsible developers.

"I want to assure you that our actions are completely legitimate and in accordance with good land management."

Dorset Echo:

A spokesman from Dorset Council, said: "There aren't any bye-laws banning bonfires or restricting the days or times when they're allowed.

"Bonfires are only illegal if they cause a nuisance to others and the person responsible fails to comply with the requirements of any abatement notice served by the council.

"If the bonfire takes place on trade or industrial premises then there's an additional power given by the Clean Air Act 1993 where the bonfire is giving off dark or black smoke."

For more on this, visit: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/environmental-health/environmental-health/bonfires