DEVELOPERS have moved to address flooding fears and A35 safety concerns by submitting revised plans for a controversial housing scheme on the outskirts of Bridport.

Hallam Land Management has handed over updated outline proposals to build 760 new homes, a care home, employment land and a new school at Vearse Farm in Symondsbury.

The new scheme follows a previous application made by the developers in August 2015 that never made it to West Dorset District Council's planning committee for consideration. The developers claim that no properties will be at risk of flooding in the new scheme.

A spokeswoman for Savills, agent for Hallam, said: "The current proposals include a number of changes from the previous application, reflecting the extensive work that has been undertaken over the last 18 months in relation to transport, flood risk and master planning.

"This has included additional community engagement through a series of workshops and working group meetings, as well as meetings and correspondence with stakeholders."

A masterplan document has been prepared which sets out the "key principles" of the scheme.

A spokeswoman added: "An updated transport assessment taking into account comments made on the previous application by Highways England and DCC highways has been included. This includes junction assessments and safety audits for the proposed improvements to the Miles Cross junction.

"An updated Flood Risk Assessment based on new flood risk modelling work undertaken in consultation with the Environment Agency has been included. The surface water drainage strategy has been updated with modifications to the sustainable drainage systems to manage surface water runoff and ensure development does not worsen flood risk to surrounding areas. No homes are proposed in areas at risk of flooding."

Pedestrian and cycle links from the development to Magdalen Lane have been included, along with extra footpaths, cycle links and recreational routes.

A new woodland planting belt is proposed for the southern edge of the site, providing nature conservation. There will also be more green space than the original application and new locations for allotments and community food growing areas.

Developers have also included a revised environmental statement with updates to chapters covering transport, noise, drainage and flood risk, biodiversity, landscape and visual, socio-economic effects and planning policy.

The revised proposals will be available to view at dorsetforyou.gov.uk in the next few days.