TRANSPORT proposals for the revised Vearse Farm housing scheme could create "unacceptable levels of congestion and increased dangers", according to campaigners.

Last week, The News revealed that Hallam Land Management has submitted revised outline plans to build 760 homes, a new school, a care home, and business and recreational space at Vearse Farm in Symondsbury. Campaign group Advearse, who fought the initial proposals, has warned against traffic problems it believes the development will cause.

Barry Bates, speaking on behalf of the group, said: "Advearse has always viewed the decision about building on Vearse Farm as one of the most important decisions in Bridport’s history.

"We are pleased to see that the scheme includes a significant number of affordable houses – this is vital for the future of Bridport. We are intrigued to see yet more sweeteners – such as a community food growing area and a community orchard in the flood zone. Are they thinking we won’t notice they have also sneaked in 760 houses?"

He added: "Hallam claims to have addressed the fears about flooding and traffic. At present the experts at Highways England, Dorset County Council Highways team and Environment Agency all retain their objections to Vearse Farm. We believe that the councillors will not be able to approve the scheme until these objections have been overcome.

"The Vearse Farm development will result in hundreds of additional vehicles per hour on West Road and Allington at peak times. We believe this will result in unacceptable levels of congestion and increased dangers for both cyclists and pedestrians along this narrow route."

The developers have included an updated transport assessment in the revised plans, featuring junction assessments and safety audits for the proposed roundabout to be built at the Miles Cross junction on the A35.

An updated Flood Risk Assessment undertaken in consultation with the Environment Agency has been included and the surface water drainage strategy has been updated with developers claiming "no homes are proposed in areas at risk of flooding."

A special meeting of Bridport Town Council's plans committee will take place next month to consider the proposals.

Bridport town clerk Bob Gillis, said: "This application is in Symondsbury parish but Bridport Town Council will be consulted as the adjoining parish.

"The town council’s planning committee will consider the application at a special meeting on Tuesday, June 13 at 7pm in the town hall. The meeting is open to the public, who are able to speak for up to three minutes in the public forum.

"Bridport Town Council is a consultee on planning applications and the decision on this application will be taken by the planning authority, West Dorset District Council."

Members of the public have until Tuesday, May 23, to comment on the proposals online at dorsetforyou.com