DEVELOPERS have performed a u-turn on holding a public consultation on revised housing plans - a decision labelled as a "disgrace" by campaigners.

Last month, Hallam Land Management submitted updated proposals to build 760 homes, a new school, care home and employment space at Vearse Farm in Symondsbury.

After initially stating a public consultation would be held on the updated masterplan, developers have insisted an "extensive consultation" from the initial plans is sufficient.

Sarah Bevan from Savills, agent for Hallam, said: “The current planning application has been informed by extensive consultation that has taken place over a two year period. This includes an exhibition, workshops, working group meetings, correspondence, and attendance at town and parish council meetings.

“We are very grateful to all those who have been involved in the process to date and we look forward to continuing to work closely with key stakeholders and the local community as the scheme progresses from the current outline planning application stage through to the reserved matters applications and detailed design.”

In December, Andy Birch regional manager for Hallam Land Management, told The News: "The masterplan will be consulted on along with revised application details early next year."

Campaign group Advearse, which has rallied for the proposals to be halted, has hit out at the decision for no further consultation with the public to be held.

Barry Bates, speaking on behalf of the group, said: "Advearse has condemned as a disgrace the decision by Hallam to refuse public consultation about their revised plans for Vearse Farm.

"Advearse was led to believe last year that when the revised plans were submitted, a similar public consultation would be undertaken. Advearse was assured by WDDC that a public consultation would take place.

"From the very start Vearse Farm has been dogged by allegations of lack of consultation. The majority of Bridport town councillors complained to West Dorset planners about the fact there was a lack of consultation about the proposal to place Vearse Farm in the Local Plan."

Mr Bates added: "The application for outline planning permission has been held up whilst Hallam dealt with the objections to the scheme from the Environment Agency and Highways England. There is a mass of detail to be studied by anyone wishing to comment. Members of the public have been given just over four weeks to comment before the official deadline.

"In terms of local democracy this is the most important issue to affect Bridport in the last 200 years. It is essential that councillors insist on a proper consultation period. We call on the district council to extend the consultation period and to initiate a programme to ensure the local residents are fully informed about this revised plan."