CONCERNS have been raised over "bulky" buildings proposed for the former Dorchester prison site that would "destroy" views around the site.

North Square resident Vicky Spicer is urging other members of the community to have their say on the planning application submitted by developers City and Country after raising her fears about what is being proposed, particularly for the existing car park on the site.

She said: "City and Country's plans propose to erect bulky new blocks at the entrance to the prison site, three stories high, destroying the historically important Conservation Area’s existing view over the water-meadows, while enclosing buildings which are existing and making the road to the nearby roads dark and not in harmony with the local environment.

"This proposal will block the view across the water meadows from the South Street and town centre for everyone except to their ‘new buyers’."

Vicky added: "Agreeing to the plans proposed on the car park will change the centre of town for the current and future generations."

She claimed that the development proposed would do nothing to enhance the area and she has made her feelings known since City and Country's first public consultation event.

Vicky said keeping the car park area open would have enabled breathing space for the new development to blend with what already exists.

She said that instead of a subterranean car park, which is currently being proposed, less development could be placed on the existing car park and the remaining area still be used for parking.

Vicky also questioned the need for so many commercial units on the site given the number of units currently empty in the town centre.

She added: "This is a very difficult site to develop.

"I truly don’t believe the developers have thought about the impact on the area or the town. "All the plans have been rushed and most objections have been about the lack of affordable housing but with the road system in place in the centre of Dorchester, we must request larger or less housing or no one will be able to drive through the centre of Dorchester in less than 40 minutes."

Vicky wants people to submit their final objections to the developer before the next public event on Wednesday, February 3 and is keen to help anyone who needs support in submitting their views.

They can contact her by emailing vicker_13@yahoo.com or visit the Facebook page she has set up at facebook.com/viewofdorchester Richard Winsborough, associate director (planning) at City and Country, said the firm was listening to the concerns of residents and had been in touch with West Dorset District Council regarding any submissions on the application.

He said: "We are continuing to talk to the council about all feedback received.

"We will be sure to share any new information as we work towards a decision by the planning committee.”