CAMPAIGNERS are calling on councillors to take concerns seriously when a controversial housing scheme is considered on Thursday.

Enterprise St Michaels is urging West Dorset District Council's planning committee to listen to fears raised by objectors and Bridport Town Council, when the future of St Michael's Trading Estate is considered. The group believes concerns were ignored when an original scheme was considered in 2012.

Hayward and Co wants to demolish part of the estate to make way for 91 new homes and refurbish the site.

A spokesman for Enterprise St Michaels, said: "Those who attended the 2012 planning committee were horrified at the conduct of that meeting, and official complaints were made.

"The planning officer's advice, and hundreds of objections, including from the town council, were brushed aside without discussion. This is effectively a fresh application, so it is a good opportunity for councillors to put the sorry history of this case behind them, and show that they are determined to get the best outcome for Bridport.

"The planning officer's report says that this remains a 'controversial' application, but it doesn't have to be, if elected members listen to the concerns of Bridport's residents and town council.

"St Michaels presents a fantastic opportunity for Bridport, if developed in the right way - our message to councillors is 'don't be the ones to throw this away'."

Clive Hayward, from the developers, hit out at the town council's decision to object to the plans, as reported in last week's Bridport News.

He said: "We are disappointed by the town council's continuing lack of vision in identifying the major opportunity that our scheme for St Michael's offers.

"We also continue to be disappointed by the use of language such as 'toxic mix' which is completely inaccurate, misleading and inappropriate. The town council’s inflexible approach to the future of St Michael's has remained unchanged over the years despite the many modifications and improvements made to the scheme."