SO HALLAM have won the battle for outline planning access on Vearse Farm so that may make a few residents of Bridport very pleased, ridiculing with two fingers up those that opposed it. 

How foolish those people are thinking this will benefit the town with affordable housing. National figures show that of the number of affordable houses promised by developers less than 50 per cent come to fruition that is less than the number of low cost homes built 10 years ago. 

WDDC were insistent that a guarantee be provided by the developer in his section 106 for 35 per cent affordable homes to be built.

This was one of the reasons for the planning committee to vote Yes to outline planning. But there are no laws to make the developer keep to this in fact they have a get out clause to withdraw from their promise. 

You will also find if you look many companies that have come about that guarantee they will be able to lower or even cancel out the burden of the 106 agreement for affordable quota. 

With this in mind and the fact that Hallam have got to pay out many millions on infrastructure e.g. Miles cross roundabout etc. how many affordable homes will they build if any. 

My second point is if these affordable homes are built, and by Government definition affordable means 80 per cent of market cost, how many people in Bridport will be able to afford them ?

Very few I think. So apart from the benefit of a roundabout at Miles cross what will be gained? 

I can tell you it will be 8-10 years of dirt noise and disruption from heavy lorries and building site traffic, and don’t think for one moment if you live on the other side of town it will not affect you. 

So to all you people that think this is done and dusted think again only the battle is lost not the war and if Hallam think they are on an easy ride from now on think again.
G Cox
De Legh Grove