RESIDENTS around Priory Lane in Bridport have met to agree a battle plan to oppose a 32-home development on their doorstep. The Thomas-Davies Trust wants to build 32 homes, including 12 affordable ones, in Bridports run-down south west quadrant. The development will include a public amenity area and footpath by the River Brit. It is also next to a scheme planned for the Mill of 18 flats and five houses, a maisonette and garages by CG Fry & Son. Andrew Bradley, a chartered landscape architect and spokesman for the objectors, said: The Thomas Davies Trust has systemati cally run-down the area since it encouraged the allotment holders off about six years ago, they did not lose interest as suggested. No effort has been made to keep the area tidy, only thanks to several visiting gypsy ponies the grass was kept down for a while. Contrary to the report the area is popular with pedestrians and is a pleasant leafy place to walk particularly on a summer evening. Reasons put forward in opposition include: f The development is contrary to the amount of development permitted in the emerging local plan including adopted Supplementary Planning Guidance issued as part of the South West Quadrant proposals. f The adverse impact on the setting of many listed buildings, including the old Mills and St Marys Church f It would be development of a green field site contrary to planning guidance f An adverse impact on the historic Conservation Area and over-development f The out of scale industrial-sized buildings proposed f Loss of light as the buildings will loom over Priory Cottages which are at a lower level f The site access/exit is dangerous and increased traffic will exacerbate this f A lack of parking, 40 spaces for 32 units some of which are three bed properties. Also with the proposed development of the Mills into 18 units and five houses the impact on town centre traffic will be huge. Overspill into nearby long-stay car parks will also be a issue. No parking provided for Priory Cottages many of which park on the site f The parking for the chapel is placed at window level of Priory Cottages f Development within the flood plain. Also the play area and open space would cause an obstruction to the river when it flood in the winter, this area is regularly under water f Removal of part of the Priory Lane bank which marks the Saxon extent of the town. John Watts, spokesman for the trusts agents, said: It is evident that the group of residents objecting wish this land to remain undevel oped. It can be deduced from these objections, whatever their disguise, that they are limited. For example, they complain about no park ing being provided for Priory Cottages, many of which park on the site. They fail to mention that they have no right to park on this private land. However, the road through the proposed development would be a public highway upon which they would be enti tled to park their vehicles. The objectors conveniently overlook that the proposal complies with national and local planning policy and the greater public good that would arise from permission being grant ed for this project, convenient town centre housing boosting the local economy and urban regeneration. The planning application will be discussed by Bridport Town Councils plans committee on Monday evening.