EXHIBITIONS are going ahead to allow residents to give feedback on a controversial 760-home development on the outskirts of Bridport.

Bridport Town Council and Symondsbury Parish Council will be hosting the exhibitions in August, to provide information about the recently named Foundry Lea development, formerly known as Vearse Farm.

Displays will be up on noticeboards in Bucky Doo Square in Bridport from Tuesday, August 9 and at Eype Church from Tuesday, August 16. Local councillors will be on hand on occasion to listen to comments and concerns, and feedback forms will enable residents to address any issues or concerns directly to the developers.

The development team, Barratt David Wilson Homes (BDW) and Vistry Partnerships, will not be attending in person, instead engaging with residents online through the site's recently launched website where the exhibition boards will also be available to view.

The plans has been controversial since they were first proposed and have led to protests, objections and a plea for the Secretary of State to call in the application – which he rejected.

Bridport campaign group, Advearse, lost a judicial review in 2020 - after arguing that the council's decision to grant outline planning permission for the farm was open to legal challenge.

The main focus of their objections was the fact the development area lies within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The development is set to include 120 affordable homes, areas of public open space and wildlife and ecological enhancements. Homes will range from apartments and two-bedroom houses to larger four and five bedroom homes.

The two councils have been engaging with the housing developers in order to make the site an ‘exemplar development’ for Bridport. A local stakeholder working group meets regularly with BDW and Vistry, highlighting issues such as the shortage of affordable housing, concerns about supporting infrastructure, the need for the site to complement the town and rural surroundings, and the importance of sustainable development to address the climate emergency.

Cllr Dave Rickard, leader of Bridport Town Council said “There has been much discussion about the principle of the development and now that it is going ahead it is vital that local people have their say in the detail of the proposals.

"We’re pleased to be able to offer those who don’t routinely use the internet that opportunity through these local displays.”

Cllr Steve Ralph, chairman of Symondsbury Parish Council, added: “So many people ask what’s happening with Vearse Farm – now Foundry Lea - what it will look like, and when it will be built. We hope that the displays will start to answer such questions, and give people the chance to support our aim of getting the best possible development for Bridport and Symondsbury.”

As well as the two locations at Bucky Doo Square and Eype Church, the exhibitions can be found here.