The outline planning application for an industrial unit, church and community hall, and residential care home will almost fill a 4.75 acre site which, it is argued, currently has ecological importance, is only accessible via an unsuitable road accessed using a dangerous junction and the proposals are out of keeping with the surrounding area.

During an online Planning Consultative Committee meeting held on 22 October by West Moors Town Council, with around 40 people logged on, six residents were given the opportunity to speak. No one could be found to speak in favour of the application, so all six statements, which raised objections were read out in full.

The weight of discontent continued with councillors Alex Clarke, Carol Holmes, David Shortell, Rita Burke, Mike Hawkes, Steve Linford, Nicki Senior, Keith Wilkes, Tony Willats, David Green and Penny Yeo all expressing objections in the strongest terms.

“I strongly urge the committee to reject the proposal,” said Cllr David Shortell.

Cllr Rita Burke praised West Moors residents and said, “We must keep this place safe. The application should be rejected.”

Cllr Mike Hawkes also congratulated West Moors on its solidarity, “the application should be rejected,” he said.

“We all need to band together and get this stopped,” said Cllr Steve Linford.

Cllr Keith Wilkes added, “I strongly oppose the development, the site is inappropriate for this development.”

Councillor Nicki Senior also registered her objection and said in the region of 500 objections had been lodged on Dorset Council’s online planning portal.

The deadline has been extended to 12 November 2020.

This isn’t the first time a planning application has been made on this site. The latest proposal was also submitted in outline last summer, but withdrawn following a parish council meeting when nearly 200 residents turned out to fight the development.

The parish council is now a town council. It is a consultee in the planning process. As such it works in an advisory capacity.

At the end of the meeting, the West Moors Town Council proposed to reject the application “strongly” with key reasons including:

·     road safety

·     access not suitable

·     industrial development is not needed and is out of keeping with the area

·     the land is ecologically and environmentally important.

It was further suggested that Dorset Council should be requested to take the application to a planning committee for a decision, rather than an officer.

Any residents wishing to object should visit https://eastplanning.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/plandisp.aspx?recno=116975 or email planningteam@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk using the planning reference 3/30/1280/OUT.

Campaigners against this development will help anyone who needs assistance to do this, and you can contact them on 01202 798345 or email them at blackfieldfarm@outlook.com.

Objections to Dorset Council can also be sent by post to: Dorset Council, Allenview House, Hanham Road, Wimborne BH21 1AJ.

The previous deadline of 20 October has been extended to 12 November 2020.