Major Bridport planning appeal could be over before it’s even begun
Bridport: South West Quadrant. Developers want to build a 5-storey block of flats on the site of the Stover Building (behind Burwoods). Photograph by Pete Millson
SHOULD the inquiry into the biggest proposed development in Bridport for 30 years be allowed to go ahead?
That is the question that will – unexpectedly – be decided when landowners Haywards’ launch their appeal into the future of the South West Quadrant, at the Park Dean Holiday Park in West Bay on January 26.
Costly preparations for the appeal have been going on for months, but if planning inspector Simon Rawle finds that Haywards’ appeal is not valid, the inquiry scheduled to last for three days will be stopped before it’s even properly begun.
Good news for the Friends of St Michael’s Trading Estate who have been campaigning against the proposed redevelopment of the area? Not necessarily.
Andrew Leppard, of the Friends, says: “We do actually want the appeal to go ahead because it’s the first time that someone from outside has had chance to have a look at it.”
Different parties involved in the appeal have recently been corresponding about the grounds for it. The situation is complicated because Haywards (the appellants) twice applied for planning permission in conjunction with West Dorset District Council, and twice elected councillors refused to give permission. It was thought last summer that planning regulations might not allow Haywards to appeal, but then it seemed that a way through had been found. However, a lot could now hinge on the question of how the council has decided what it might do in future with land it owns in the South West Quadrant.
A letter from the planning inspectorate (intended for circulation) states: “We note the contents of the recent letters / emails from both main parties on this subject and the contents of the appellant’s Counsel’s opinion is noted, as is the fact that the Council’s Counsel has confirmed that s/he agrees with the solicitor’s interpretation of the Regulations.
“However, we are not in a position to determine the position ahead of the opening of the inquiry.
“With the above in mind, the parties (including any interested parties that wish to raise this matter) will need to make submissions to the Inspector at the opening of the inquiry. It will then be for the Inspector to judge on the validity of the appeal and thus whether to proceed.
“However, the parties should make sure that they are prepared to proceed should the Inspector decide that the appeal is valid.”
The letter goes on to state that the planning inspector “will be fully briefed about this matter prior to the inquiry”.