CONTROVERSIAL housing proposals have been recommended for approval despite town councillors refusing to back the plans, labelled a "toxic mix".

Proposals to demolish part of St Michael's Trading Estate in Bridport to make way for 91 homes has been recommended for approval by West Dorset District Council's planning officer Andrew Martin, subject to 14 conditions. The committee will consider the application at a meeting next week.

On Monday, Bridport Town Council's plans committee recommended that the amended outline plans, submitted by Hayward and Co, are rejected by the district council's planning committee.

Speaking in the public forum, Phyllida Culpin from neighbourhood plan steering group, spoke out against a reduced amount of affordable housing, due to viability.

She said: "This scheme doesn't even reach West Dorset District Council's 35 per cent requirement.

"This will be a scratch on the surface. We desperately need that low cost affordable housing in this area."

Andrew Leppard said the development "would be a tragedy" for the town if it was given the green light.

Chris Pike said the parking arrangements would "put increased strain on public car parks" in Bridport.

Cllr Dave Rickard, who also represents the town on the district council, said the plans would provide a "toxic mix" of homes and industry.

He added: "The idea of putting houses in the middle of this estate has never had any traction.

"I'm struggling to find any great improvement in this. If anything, it has probably got even worse."

The district council has received 406 objections to the plans.

In his report to the district council's planning committee, Mr Martin said: "The conclusions of that report are that the scheme can support the provision of 22 affordable units and that is the recommendation to members. However, at the time of concluding this report that figure has not been agreed by the applicant.

"The current proposals include a net increase of 91 dwellings across the estate. This would be a valuable contribution towards the local plan’s five-year housing lands supply, albeit less than 105 dwellings currently identified."

He added: "Overall, this remains a controversial proposal. There is an overriding concern that a mixed use redevelopment involving housing will inevitably destroy the essential character of something which is regarded as very special to Bridport, its conservation area and its economy. But, as the local plan inspector recognised when allocation the site, the greater risk is in doing nothing.

"There have been various iterations of redevelopment proposals for the estate over the

years, but this is considered to be the most successful to date. It strikes the right balance between accommodating sufficient housing to boost the five-year supply and retaining many of the essential qualities of the site."

The proposals will be considered on Thursday, July 6.