PLANS to build nine new homes in Bridport town centre are forging ahead.

An application was submitted last year to build nine homes, along with a roadway and parking spaces at land to the rear of the Assembly Rooms off Gundry Lane.

There are currently two derelict industrial buildings on the land, which sits within Bridport Conservation Area and close to St Mary’s Church.

In a design and access statement, developers said there will be ‘limited visual impact’ resulting from the homes.

It says: “When developed, this site will register visually as part of the built up area although at two storey height it will be less dominant than the much larger buildings fronting Gundry Lane and South Street. There will remain the allotments and river margins to the west, which will maintain the transitional character. Existing buildings and recent developments at Priory Mills effectively block many of the views of the site.”

Bridport Town Council discussed the proposals at last week’s planning meeting, with the committee deciding they had no objection, as long as the main allotment site there, as well as access is maintained.

The committee noted: “The lack of affordable housing on the site was very disappointing. Should there be further development on this site then this should be low cost affordable housing.”

Highways and Natural England also said they had no objections to the plans. A Protected Species Survey was carried out and found no evidence of roosting bats in the area, or reptiles, but recommended at least three bird boxes be provided to compensate for the loss of bird nesting sites.

County archaeologist Steve Wallis said: “The site of the proposed development lies in the backlands to the west of the original Saxon and Medieval town at Bridport. In such a location there is a high potential for the survival of below-ground archaeological remains associated with the early town – such as material relating to industrial activities and rubbish deposits. There is also a high potential for more recent remains associated with post-Medieval industries.”

Mr Walllis recommended that the applicant undertakes an archaeological assessment before any decisions are taken on whether to grant planning permission.

The proposal will be discussed by West Dorset District Council’s planning committee at a date to be determined. 

Comments can be made at the planning portal on www.dorsetforyou.com