RESIDENTS had their say on initial proposals for the controversial development at Vearse Farm on Monday.

Developers Hallam Land Management offered locals a chance to give their views on the proposed 760 new homes, along with open space, a new school and business area at a public exhibition at Bridport Town Hall on Monday.

Last month, Bridport Town Council criticised the developers for not consulting with the public - but Hallam regional manager Andy Birch told The News they were following the correct process.

"We would have liked to have brought forward proposals a while ago - but there is a due process of how you do things" he said.

"It is only because the Local Plan has been delayed by two years that we have had to wait so long for this stage.

"We have been waiting to consult with people for about four years. It was frustrating that people felt we hadn't consulted because we thought we had gone through the correct process."

Residents gave their feedback on the initial sketches for the scheme. Some are concerned about the scale of the development, despite the need for social housing in the town.

West Allington resident Terry Lambert said: "If this complex was being built in Bristol or Exeter, they can handle it - but Bridport is too small.

"There is also space allocated for retail development, so I imagine the businesses in the town won't be too impressed. What we need is affordable housing and I don't think this is going to help."

But Daniel Evans thinks locals should be doing all they can to support developers bringing affordable housing to the town.

"I don't understand why people get so upset about bringing Bridport into the modern age" he said. "There are some campaigners who don't want this on their doorstep and I understand that - but the town is going to be left behind.

"There is such a desperate need for affordable housing, and we need to give the developers support to make this work for the town."

Mr Birch moved to reassure fears that homes will be built on land affected by flooding and was pleased that most people offered constructive opinions on the proposals.

"There has been a mixed reception, but there have been a number of positive comments" he said. "There are some people that are just against it whatever - but most people seem to be saying it probably has it happen, but this seems like it's maybe too much.

"The flooding is one area we can be really certain about what the existing situation is and what our impact will be and how we address that - through a flood risk assessment. It is all quite mechanical and at the moment our figures say we will reduce the amount of water released by 60 per cent."