BRIDPORT residents and town councillors think the height of proposed retirement homes on the former magistrates’ court site is too overwhelming.

Neighbours Robert Wheatley, Ian Wilkinson and the Rev Pete Stone came to air their views at the town council’s planning committee on Monday.

The proposals by Churchill Retirement Living would see the construction of 26 one and two bedroom retirement apartments at Mountfield, Rax Lane.

They said they had no objection in principle but the height of the development – which was not clear on the plans, but could be between nine and 11 metres - was too dominating and noise from a proposed heat exchange pump would be disturbing.

Mr Wheatley said: “That height will effect us but more to the point it is going to be a huge mass right in the middle of Bridport.

“It would actually form the backdrop to the town hall which would rather spoilt its setting because the backdrop to the town hall at the moment is Coneygar Hill.”

“It will be two and a half times what it is now.”

Because Briport Town Council owns the access road, town councillors are not allowed to make recommendations, but they want to that request district planners visit the site.

Cllr Dave Rickard said the issue of height needed to be looked into.

Cllr Geoff Ackerman said it was an ideal site for retirement homes but the height of the proposed devewlopment was too high and the car parking spaces were inadequate.

He said: “There are 26 flats and we have nine car parking spaces, that is not enough. They will have visitors have no doubt.”

Councillors suggested the building could be lowered in the site, which would mean moving a lot more material but would mitigate the impact.

Cllr Phil Lathey said: “It is feasible to do that on this site.”

The developers believe there is an urgent need for sheltered housing in West Dorset.

Research carried out by David Couttie Associates found that the age group of 65 years and above will grow from 28 percent in 2012 to 40 percent of the total population in 2037.

Residents have until Saturday to have their say on the proposals at dorsetforyou.com