PLANS to build 60 homes and an employment park on a site in Lyme has brought more than 80 objections to the council and a call for a fight.

Sue RedwoodDavies, who lives near Woodberry Down in Colway Lane, which links to the A3052, wants to start a pressure group to fight for the land.

She said: "There were a large number of objectors to the proposed development at the Woodberry Down site.

"It is my intention to set up a pressure group to object to the site being included in any redevelopment area."

The land has been allocated for proposed development in the district council's local plan.

It is proposed in the plan that the land would be used for a B1 employment park and 60 residential units that include affordable housing.

The council received more than 80 objections to the second version of the plan, published in spring 2004, and some residents are unsure about what will happen to the land if the plan is adopted in 2006.

Mrs Redwood-Davies is particularly concerned about the increase in traffic the site would bring to Charmouth Road.

She said: "It will have a massive impact on the town's already chaotic problems."

Residents are unsure whether affordable housing will actually be available for firsttime buyers.

Resident Nigel Marsh says it is vital the town gets affordable homes. He said: "The social balance in Lyme is coming apart at the seams. Nurses, teachers and other local people are leaving the town because they can't afford to live here."

Another big issue is the B1 employment park.

Marcus Dixon, manager of the Lyme Development Trust, thinks a field study centre would benefit the whole town.

He said: "To make the most of this global status Lyme Regis must have a field study centre that can accommodate parties of visitors - students, special interest groups, academics and possibly run in association with London's Natural History Museum.

"This is why the World Heritage Site Steering Group, the organisation looking at funding Jurassic Coast projects, has given a proposed 150-bed Lyme Regis Field Study Centre a priority A status.

"Lyme Regis needs to create sustainable, worthwhile employment opportunities - particularly for young people.

"The Woodberry Down site holds the key to ensuring that we have a vibrant, yearround local economy in years to come.

The district council's planning policy manager Hilary Jordan said: "The plan says that, as a general policy, the council will negotiate towards ensuring 35 per cent of new housing development is affordable to meet local needs.

"The council has identified a need for additional employment workspace in Lyme Regis, but the plan also makes it clear that use for a field study centre at Woodberry Down is not ruled out.

"The plan also states that any development would be dependent on improvement of access on to Colway Lane/ Charmouth to the satisfaction of the Highway Authority."

Mrs Redwood-Davies is urging people to contact her, saying: "If we can all find a common ground then we can work together to make sure the site is used to make the most of the town and its heritage."

l Readers can write to her at St Cuthberts, Charmouth Road, Lyme Regis.