LYME REGIS: Revised plans for a controversial homes development on the outskirts of the resort have been unveiled.

The development would be on more than 17 hectares of land between Gore Lane and Shire Lane off the A3052.

However, when initial plans were announced at a public exhibition in May, residents and councillors were left shocked.

Andy Birch, area manager for Hallam Land Management which put forward the proposals, previously said that feedback from the exhibition was mixed.

Uplyme councillors spoke out about the ‘skimpy and short notice’ given ahead of the exhibition and the fact that it was held at Woodmead Halls in Lyme Regis, when the development is proposed on land over the border in East Devon.

Lyme Regis town councillors said that Lyme ‘would pay the price in overloaded services and overcrowded roads’ and could reap no benefit at all if the development goes ahead.

Cllr Anita Williams said it would be ‘awful’ if local people in Lyme were not eligible for any social or affordable housing because of the boundary.

Cllr Chris Clipson questioned what would happen to Lyme’s schools, medical services, parking and bus services.

Now, plans for the development have been altered following the exhibition feedback . It includes a reduction from a 350-home development to 200 homes.

Mr Birch said: “The proposals have been significantly reduced from the scheme consulted on in April. “The latest concept design proposals have evolved, but will continue to evolve as we gather more information.

“Even the concept design proposals are potentially outdated and we hope to produce a new idea over the next month.”

Revised concept design principals say the development vision as a ‘high quality gateway scheme that complements and enhances the character of Lyme Regis, and responds positively yet respectfully to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and adjoining heritage coastline’.

Key features under the revised plans include:

  • Around 200 homes
  • a care home
  • an enhanced park and ride facility to provide a permanent site including toilets, an information point and picnic facility
  • a public open space including sports facilities and allotments

An extension of the existing footpath on Sidmouth Road, improved biodiversity with the creation of new habitat areas and an alternative access point to Shire Lane for residents are also included.

Mr Birch added: “The key messages that continues to be heard are that some residents in Lyme Regis and Uplyme are concerned about the impact of development.

“Equally there are those who suggest there is a high demand for new housing, especially affordable houses for existing residents of Lyme Regis and Uplyme.

“We aim for our proposals to successfully balance the need for new housing with impacts on the area, both in social terms and natural terms having regard to landscape impact and ecological factors.

“When a planning application is formally submitted, which we aim to do in the coming months, we would welcome ongoing dialogue with the public and local stakeholders.”

An Uplyme Parish Council meeting held on July 9 revealed that Hallam Land Management provided the revised presentation and requested a meeting with the council.

However, councillors felt there was ‘little point’ in a meeting until a definite planning application has been submitted.

The revised plans can be viewed online on the Uplyme Parish Council website.