RESIDENTS have voiced their concerns over plans to build hundreds of homes off Dorchester Road in Weymouth.

Dozens attended a consultation event at Redlands Community Sports Hub throughout yesterday to speak to developers CG Fry and Son Ltd.

The proposed development would see up to 340 homes to land south of Nottington Lane.

The framework plan also mentions main access to the site from Nottington Lane, secondary access from Dorchester Road, open space, retention of trees and new footpaths.

David Lohfink, land and planning director at CG Fry and Son Ltd, said he was pleased with the consultation.

He said: “Obviously, we have had lots of people who have been very concerned about the proposals and hearing about them for the first time but we judge a successful event like this generally by how many people come through the door and get involved. It’s been a full-on afternoon. We haven’t sat down.”

Flooding, traffic and loss of countryside and wildlife were three of the biggest concerns brought to Mr Lohfink’s attention.

He said: “We have been completely honest that we can’t revisit the principle of the development.

“That’s established by the new local plan which allocates the site.” A number of residents criticised the timing of the consultation, suggesting the event was held at a time too near to the Christmas holidays.

Mr Lohfink said: “I don’t think it is cloak and dagger at all.

“We’ve given people time to respond. The information is on our website. We’ve leafleted 350 houses.

“We have put signs up on the main road.”

The developers hope to submit an outline planning application that seeks to confirm the principles of the development by January 2015.

This will be accompanied by a framework plan which takes into consideration feedback from Tuesday’s consultation.

The community will be consulted again if outline planning permission is granted.

Copies of the consultation material and feedback forms are available on the developer’s website at cgfry.co.uk/info/ land+and+planning

All comments and feedback must be received by 5pm on Tuesday, December 30.

  • Views of the public: Valerie Brinton, from Nottington, said: “My concerns are the traffic in Nottington Lane and the flooding in Nottington from this estate.

“That’s the main thing. Once they have built it it’s too late to do something about it.”

Gill Faley, of Dorchester Road, said: “My concerns are there are red kites and lots of wildlife that live in those fields.

“I worry about the local schools which already are fully subscribed.”