THE controversial ‘Strawberry Field’ development at Charminster is back again – this time with a reduced number of housing.
An original application for 120 homes close to the historic Wolfeton House went to appeal where it was rejected.
Developers Land Value Alliance have since put in a new application for 89 homes, which they have now further reduced to a maximum of 80, moving the nearest homes on the southern edge further away from Wolfeton House and the public footpath.
Further details have also been added about landscaping proposals with the developer’s planning agents also submitting additional papers in response to around 125 public objections.
Among the objectors is Historic England, Lord Julian Fellowes, a number of academic historians, Dorset Council’s senior conservation office, professional planners and the Ramblers, amongst others.
Local ward councillor David Taylor says he remains opposed to the scheme because of the harm it will do to the local landscape and the setting of Wolfeton House, said to be the best Grade 1 listed property in Dorset.
Lord Fellowes says he is amazed that he has to write again in defence of what he describes as one of the main jewels in the crown of Dorchester with its connections to royalty and Thomas Hardy.
His letter says that to destroy the context and setting of Wolfeton House is to destroy the house, itself.
“Can you not please think again and find a place for these houses that does not destroy a major element in Hardy’s story….once Wolfeton is ruined the town and the area will have lost one of their most significant landmarks, which can never be replaced,” he said.
Other letters claim that the growth of the village should be limited to the Charminster Farm site, currently being built, and that to allow more homes would ruin the rural character.
Said objector Barry Clark: “This development would change the village "feel" of the area. It's disappointing that having successfully fought the previous application the developers are allowed to make further applications with only minor changes.
"The developers have only one aim and that is to make money…I hope the planning committee see this further application as a cynical attempt by the developers to try and wear down the local people whose daily lives would be affected, and have previously successfully objected.”
Dorset Council has accepted the change as an amendment to the ongoing application and has re-opened public comments until June 18th.
One of the original protestors, David Shaw, says although the council have said that neighbour and parish representations need not be submitted again, he is advising people to write again, if they still object.
The planning application, reference no 20/003004 can be viewed on the Dorset Council website, www.dorsetforyou.com, where comment can also be made.
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