17 new homes in Bere Regis have been approved
The decision was made despite complaints they don't comply with the town's neighbourhood plan
Last updated 14th Apr 2021
Seventeen homes at White Lovington, Bere Regis have been agreed by Dorset Council.
The decision comes in the face of complaints that the scheme does not comply with the neighbourhood plan and would be an over-development for the site.
The Bere Regis neighbourhood plan, which dates from 2018, suggested 12 homes on the land although planning officers say the difference is not enough to rule it out.
The site is 400m from Blackhill Heath, a site of special scientific interest with developers proposing an area of informal open space between the heath and the new homes with public benches and litter bins.
The area planning committee heard that there would be 12 structures in total on the site because some of the proposed units are semi-detached. The plan is for 15 2-storey homes varying between two and four-bed bed, including two bungalows.
Councillors heard that despite concerns about the road junction the existing access, close to 12 White Lovington, is considered adequate for the site and safe.
A letter from residents said the scheme would be in conflict with the neighbourhood plan and supported a parish council objection to the application – it claimed the new homes were ‘plainly in conflict’ with the plan and would have a detrimental effect on the quiet lifestyle of existing residents, many who have been there since the 1990s when their homes were built. Residents claim the new homes could generate 270 vehicle movements a day transforming the existing cul de sac and increasing the risk of accidents.
There was also a claim that the new homes, put forward by Bayview Developments, would have an impact on the nearby heathland, although the company deny this.
The parish council said although it was in favour of some development on the site it was against the 42 per cent increase from 12 to 17 homes and asked for revised plans to be submitted with a lower number of homes.
Dorset Council planning committee members supported the recommendation from planning officers to approve the scheme in a 6-4 vote.
Neither of the ward members, Cllr Peter Wharf and Cllr Laura Miller, took up an invitation from the committee to address the meeting.