PLANS To build more affordable homes at a cohousing scheme near Bridport Hospital have won the backing of the town council.

Bridport Cohousing have applied to West Dorset District Council to build 28 custom built affordable houses and flats, including nine affordable self build plots on its seven-acre site near Bridport Hospital. The group already has planning permission for 34 homes at the Mead Lane location and is now moving ahead with phase two of the scheme.

Charles Couzens from the group, spoke at Bridport Town Council's plans committee meeting on Monday.

He said: "This scheme is for 28 houses, all of which are affordable.

"It has been in the offing for some years now. There is slightly more parking in this phase. We thought it was wise to allocate two parking space to these self-build plots. In this scheme, we have added a series of allotments at the top end of the site. We thought it was important to provide for that need."

Allington Parish Council has objected to the proposals over traffic concerns and fears over flooding and drainage.

Mr Couzens added: "The whole site has been designed to minimise run-off and flooding. "The whole scheme will not increase run-off from the site and will slightly mitigate run-off. We have also got a green travel plan in the offing. That will reduce travel and the demand for car parking significantly.

"This will come after phase one. It's probably two years time that we will start on phase two. It's going to be three and a half years away."

Supporter and resident Sally Collins spoke out in favour of the plans.

She said: "The idea of co-housing is we will create a neighbourhood ourselves and know our neighbours.

"It will be a smooth-running neighbourhood. I hope you will support us in this next phase."

Cllr Sarah Horniman supported the development and reiterated the need for parking space at the site.

She said: "It's brilliant to see some housing that's genuinely affordable.

"If we are so minded, I would like us to put something in that we feel that having that number of parking spaces is very important."

Cllr Sarah Williams, chairman of the plans committee, also backed the plans.

She said: "I think there are current caveats on parking - they are going to ask people to keep to one car.

"I think the street scheme fits, it looks the part."

Cllr Williams also acknowledged the concerns of Allington Parish Council.

She added: "They are worried that people from the site will be parking further down the hill and taking up space."

The plans were backed by the council subject to retention of car parking spaces on the site. The proposals will be considered by West Dorset District Council.