It was inspiring to read your article (Top Tourism Tips) about the work of local photographers and the Dorchester Tourism Partnership in promoting those features of the town that are loved by local residents and can provide recommendations for visitors.
No surprise that the Frome river walk and the Iron Age Hill Fort, Poundbury Camp, were among some top picks.
However, the view from the top of Poundbury Camp in the photo that accompanied the article is a stark reminder of what will soon be lost for ever if Dorset Council's draft Local Plan goes ahead.
In this Plan the lovely landscapes north of Dorchester are to be turned into a so-called Garden Community of 4,000 houses.
The view from Poundbury Camp will no longer feature the landscape in Mike Watson’s photo, but instead a major road on a causeway across the water meadows between this proposed development and the A35.
With, at a minimum, 5,000 additional vehicles associated with this housing development using that link road, the integrity of the setting of Poundbury Camp will be irreparably damaged.
And for those who love the river walk, there’s more bad news.
Storm run-off from 4,000 houses will put the River Frome and ultimately Poole Harbour at risk from pollution.
Dorchester and Dorset deserves a great deal better than the current proposed Local Plan to meet the housing needs of its residents and protect its heritage and environment for future generations.
We need to hear from Councillor Flower on whether his appeal to central government for an alternative approach to developing a Local Plan for our predominately rural county can go ahead.
Jane Ashdown
Linden Avenue
Dorchester
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