OPPONENTS of the controversial Henry's Way housing development at Lyme Regis are gathering signatures for a protest petition.

The document, registering their concerns about the proposed 23 homes in a known landslip area, will be presented to the district council next week.

Organiser Roz Moore, who lives on the Henry's Way estate, said they appreciated that West Dorset planners had granted delegated approval for the houses but they still felt it worthwhile recording their opposition.

"We want to let them know that people are still strongly opposed to this and that if anything does happen when it is built they will know that a lot of people voiced their opinions."

The petition is available to sign at the following businesses: Uplyme Filling Station, Staples Stores at King's Way and Ye Olde Tobacco Shoppe in Broad Street. The forms will be collected on Monday, May 27.

In the meantime an official complaint about the granting of planning consent for the Henry's Way housing development has been lodged with the Local Government Ombudsman.

It alleges irregularities by West Dorset district council in granting the go ahead. The complaint is being brought by Mr Alan Dearling, of Lym Close, on behalf of Professor Keith Dowling, of Henry's Way and Ms Christine Harding and Mrs L Miles, both of Elizabeth Close, whose homes, he says, will be put at risk.