Foundry Lea development gets under way at Vearse Farm

A ceremony has taken place at Vearse Farm, now known as the Foundry Lea development to mark the first shovels going into the ground.

It follows a period of clearance and preparation work. 

Developers say they are ‘thrilled to have broken ground’ at the site and expect the foundations to be in place by the autumn, with families expected to start moving in by next summer.

The new 'sustainable neighbourhood' by Barratt David Wilson Homes and Vistry Group will include up to 760 new homes, a primary school, employment space, local retail and community facilities, and accessible open space.

While developers were celebrating the work beginning, campaigners continue to raise concerns including flooding, building on an AONB, lack of infrastructure and increased traffic.

Gary Bagley (Construction Director at Barratt David Wilson Homes Southampton), Andrew Spicer (Managing Director of Barratt David Wilson Homes Exeter), Councillor Sir Philip Colfox (Symondsbury Parish Council) and Peter Sadler (Managing Director of Vistry) (Image: Supplied)

Barry Bates, from the Advearse campaign group, says they remain ‘implacably opposed’ to the development and are concerned Dorset Council are allowing the project to proceed before the construction of a new roundabout at the A35 Miles Cross junction.

This junction is likely to see a huge increase in traffic as the development gets underway.

A recent crash between a van and a car saw two people injured and has only highlighted the danger the stretch of road poses.   

Mr Bates said: “We are very concerned Dorset Council has allowed construction to start on site before the roundabout is built at Miles Cross - a recipe for chaos and danger.”

The development has been marred in controversy since the first plans were drawn up.

Flooding at the Vearse Farm site near Bridport (Image: Graham Hunt Photography)

Although agreed by planners in August 2022, the development was never signed off because not all the conditions for full consent had been met. The development was then fully approved in June 2023.

READ: Campaigners concern at Vearse Farm Foundry Lea after floods

After getting to work on clearing the land, developers were forced to apologise after felling an ancient hedgerow.

Ancient hedgerow destroyed by developers at Vearse Farm site (Image: Bridport Town Council)

Whilst Mr Bates understands that there is a need for housing in the area, he believes the location at Vearse Farm is not appropriate.

READ: Concerns over access amid Vearse Farm construction

Mr Bates added: "Advearse welcomes the building of much needed affordable houses in Bridport. We remain implacably opposed to this massive housing development of 760 houses on good farm land in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, one which the local authority has a duty to protect.

READ: Ancient hedgerow destroyed by Vearse Farm developers

"It is a scheme which pays scant regard to climate change and it will bring increased risk of sewage discharge at West Bay and of flooding to the town as a whole. 

Gary Bagley, Peter Sadler, Councillor Sir Philip Colfox , and Andrew Spicer breaking ground at Vearse Farm (Image: Supplied)

"We are disappointed that there is so little provision for the impact on the town in such areas as car parking and medical services.

READ: Developers offer 'reparations' after destroying Bridport hedgerow

He continued: "There are no plans published for the employment land. We look at well integrated schemes across the country such as Phoenix in Lewes and Poundbury in Dorchester and conclude that the planners have dumped 760 houses on Bridport with scant regard for the character of the town and with little reference to the Bridport Neighbourhood Plan."

Foundry Lea developers on site at Vearse Farm (Image: Barratt David Wilson Homes)

The developers say they will use local suppliers, craftspeople, and tradespeople in the delivery of the new community.

There will be 'generous green infrastructure, dedicated wildlife areas, a network of pedestrian and cycle links, and the use of sustainably sourced and managed materials'.

Andrew Spicer, managing director at Barratt David Wilson Homes, said: “We’re thrilled to have broken ground at Foundry Lea with key members of the community. This project represents our commitment to delivering high-quality homes in Dorset and creating vibrant places that enhance the local area.”