BRIDPORT council has accused planners of ignoring public concerns over the multi-million pound scheme to redevelop the town's South West Quadrant.

The rebuke came as they delivered their verdict on the district council's outline planning application to regenerate the area.

"Nice concept - shame about the detail" was the conclusion of the plans committee after hearing from worried residents at a packed town hall meeting.

More than a dozen speakers outlined their fears over the scheme to demolish buildings and make way for 175 new homes, 1,814 sq metres of new commercial space and replace the bus station.

Concerns were expressed over jobs losses, increased rents, the affect of proposed high buildings on the character of the area, insufficient space for bus and car parking and the loss of the public toilets.

Bridport chamber of trade president Mike Harvey accused the district council of trying to feather its own nest at Bridport's expense.

He said: "Evidence is mounting that those in Dorchester do not care what the people of Bridport - nor the members of the town council - think and will just impose their decision on us.

"What is the purpose of the scheme? To give the district council planning permission for its own property and sell it off or rent it, to fill the coffers of Dorchester at Bridport's long term expense."

Mr Harvey said the plan would mean . . .

  • Many existing businesses having to leave - those remaining facing increased rents.
  • The current 200 jobs likely to be reduced to 130.
  • Commercial floorspace reduced by 3,300 sq metres.
  • A reduced bus station when rising fuel prices meant an enhanced one was needed to cater for a dramatic increase in coach and bus travel.

Mr Harvey also warned that not enough parking was planned for the 170 new homes and asked where visiting coaches and lorries would park.

"The bus station has facilities which should be merely improved," he said. "In coming years its ability to process all types of users will be fundamental to the survival of the town.

"Not only are the district council wanting to build on our bus station they also want to build over the route for the town's one chance for a railway which could be built between West Bay and the main line at Maiden Newton."