PUBLIC opinion has saved Purbeck from an opportunistic developer driven plan that could have damaged this very special area of Dorset.

At a meeting of Wool Parish Council,, members of the public heard to their astonishment that Wool alone in the District was prepared to go it alone and still accept their 500 houses. Where is democracy? 98% voted the partial review out.

All on the floor spoke about the problems of development. How can our parish council be so out of step with public opinion in the parish? Is there a hidden agenda here? Or perhaps they were speaking for the 2% who wished large scale development, or indeed for those who did not respond to the consultation. Some parish councillors corrected statements made by the 500 house supporters. One urged that the parish council join the Pan Purbeck Action Campaign. This proposal was passed unanimously.

The public should urge others to speak out. The public should write letters to the Parish Council. Perhaps we should call for a referendum.

At present we go into the new phase of Purbeck’s local plan with a handicap of 500 houses – even before the figures are re-crunched. Perhaps we will be taking more than is needed locally again.

Can it be right to build on quality land, not just green field, but exceptional organic farmland that has taken years to pass rigorous steps and is the best kind of farmland to help support Wool’s exceptional biodiversity.

Rachel Palmer

Bovington