Bridport councils are stepping in to ensure community involvement in Vearse Farm/Foundry Lea development.

Bridport Town Council and Symondsbury Parish Council have agreed to host exhibitions in August, providing information about the recently named Foundry Lea development, formerly Vearse Farm.

Displays will appear on noticeboards in Bucky Doo Square in Bridport from August 9, and at Eype Church from August 16. Local councillors will be on hand for part of the time to listen to comments and concerns, and feedback forms will enable residents to make their points direct to the developers.

The two councils are working with the two housing developers - Barratt David Wilson Homes (BDW) and Vistry Partnerships – and have agreed a Covid-19 compliant way to hold a physical exhibition over a couple of weeks. Whist the developers and their consultant team will not be attending in person, they will be focusing their efforts on online engagement via the recently-launched website at www.foundrylea.co.uk where the exhibition boards will also be available.

The councils have been engaging positively with the housing developers for the site to press for 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's 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, said: "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."

For BDW and Vistry, Kathryn Pennington of Vistry Partnerships, said: "This is an important development for the town of Bridport that will deliver a significant number of new homes, including affordable homes. The development will create many new employment and training opportunities providing a lasting legacy. We are keen to hear the community's views and to bring the vision to life."

For more information on the displays, contact Bridport Town Council on 01308 456722 or by email at [email protected].

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