Who are we?
ADVEARSE was set up in 2013 to oppose a massive building development at Vearse Farm on the outskirts of Bridport, which could be the biggest ever development on land which had been identified nationally as an Area of Outstanding National Beauty (AONB). Since then, the group has made representations on the West Dorset Local Plan and on Outline Planning Permission for the development. In 2019 /20 backed by £34 000 of donations we challenged the permission for the development under a judicial review. Although we were successful on one of our grounds, the judge decided that the legal process could not change the decision notice to approve.
Our website (www.advearse.org.uk ) has more information on the campaign and our reasons for opposing the development.
Although we were unable to stop progress towards construction on the site, we believe that our work has
- Raised awareness at a local and national level of the problems and contradictions in housing policy regarding areas of outstanding natural beauty and land supply
- Forged good links with CPRE (Campaign for the Preservation of Rural England) and other campaign groups.
- Publicised the challenges which this development will create for residents and the character of Bridport and West Dorset.
Following the JR judgment the group reviewed whether it wished to continue. We decided to continue as a group. We have monitored the early stages of the development and as part of this work were asked to be a member of the Foundry Lea Working Group which enables the local councillors and developers to discuss the development.
AIMS OF ADVEARSE
- To monitor the development
- Acting as a go between the local community and the developers as issues arise
- To provide updates on our website
- To provide a channel whereby local concerns can be aired
- To take up these concerns where appropriate
2. To continue to lobby relevant local councils (Bridport, Symondsbury and Dorset) and relevant agencies to deliver the related infrastructure improvements
- To include issues such as sewage treatment capacity, public transport provision, flood prevention, access to health services, enhanced construction standards, public rights of way, safe walking and cycle routes, traffic management and safety drawing attention to and monitoring commitments made by the developer to ensure that they are adhered to and implemented
- To encourage strategies to promote employment opportunities.
3. To work with other agencies to manage the impact of the development and seek best outcomes for the town
- Ensuring that the Master Plan and S106 commitments are met in full
- Highlighting concerns such as safe access to and from the town centre
4.To work with other groups nationally and locally to inform future developments
- To lobby for changes in planning policy and process
- To contribute to the Dorset Local Plan currently out for consultation