HIGHWAYS bosses have recommended plans for a controversial housing scheme be put on hold for another six months while developers address “further outstanding issues” at Miles Cross.

Hallam Land Management has applied to West Dorset District Council to construct 760 homes at Vearse Farm, on the outskirts of Bridport. The outline application also includes a new primary school, employment land and a care home.

In July, the News reported that Highways England had “agreed in principle” to develop the Miles Cross junction after a higher than expected collision rate - with a roundabout the preferred option.

Developers have now submitted proposals for either a roundabout or traffic lights at the junction to Highways England - but highways bosses want changes before they are satisfied.

In a letter to Brookbanks, agent for Hallam, Steve Hellier, Highways England asset manager, raised concerns that access to a field from the proposed roundabout could lead to “shunt-type collisions”.

Mr Hellier said: “Although it is recognised that it is used infrequently, we are concerned that west-bound vehicles accessing the field from the A35 will have difficulty in doing so, particularly larger vehicles.

“This may result in shunt-type collisions as vehicles slow down to access the field. There is also potential for confusion among west-bound vehicles waiting to access the roundabout from the A35.”

Mr Hellier also had concerns with the plans for traffic signals at the junction - and suggested banning eastbound traffic turning right into an adjoining field.

He added: “We believe the movement should be banned and as far as practicable, physically prevented.

“If right-turn movements are permitted, or even possible, then any agricultural vehicles intending or making such movement could surprise unsuspecting following traffic leading to shunt type collisions.”

Concerns were also raised about the position of a layby for maintenance vehicles.

He added: “While we believe the proposed signalised option has some way to go before being acceptable, we are prepared to agree the roundabout scheme following confirmation of further considerations of particular aspects at detailed design.”

Having previously recommended twice that planners put the development on hold for a total of 12 months, Highways England have added another six months “to provide time for the applicant to address the outstanding issues regarding the agreement of a suitable scheme of mitigation to address the impact of the development on the safe and efficient operation of the A35.”