DORCHESTER now faces the greatest threat since its early formation as a Roman settlement.

The proposed huge development of 3,500 houses north of Dorchester would increase the size of the town in the region of 35 per cent, larger than Poundbury and at the same time taking out some 700 acres of prime agricultural land, with the associated natural habitat.

It would destroy forever the unique link that the town enjoys with the countryside in the form of the stunning River Frome and the surrounding water meadows.

Promises of ‘affordable’ housing have been disregarded nationwide under the 2012 Viability loophole – last year Weymouth and Portland saw 11 affordable homes built.

The Dorchester Prison saga is evidence of the loophole being locally exploited.

Furthermore, our planners are bowing to demands from central government that are flawed and unsustainable; Dorchester is now being pressured into accepting 60 per cent of the district housing needs.

Previous plans to build on this unique landscape have been consigned to the bin – let’s make sure this proposal goes the same way.

I would urge anyone wanting to keep Dorchester as a beautiful town and to stop it sliding into suburbia, registers their comments either in writing, on line or through the campaign petition at: https://you.38degrees.or.uk/petitions/stand-save-the-area-north-of-dorchester.

DAVID GARGRAVE

Lower Rew Farmhouse

Martinstown