ONE of the major concerns surrounding large housing development is the worry that developers will ignore their obligations to the area – that they shirk the requirements they should be signed up to through their Section 106 agreements.

In practical terms, this equals neglect of affordable housing, neglect for the environment, and stalling of additional projects for the benefit of the community.

I spoke to Dorset Council last week and made it clear that big developers, whether in Bridport, Dorchester or anywhere in West Dorset, cannot be allowed to ride roughshod over their fair and sensible obligations to the community.

I am spearheading this drive to ensure big developers are properly held to account across West Dorset and I am particularly concerned about this in Dorchester where further such meetings will be taking place over the coming few weeks.

It was wonderful to attend Dorchester Arts’ musical event at the Corn Exchange on Saturday last week. It is great to see the venue looking so refreshed. May I take the opportunity to thank Dorchester Arts for leading the way on refurbishing this historical asset to the community alongside Dorchester Town Council, and I look forward very much to supporting their work in the future.

Here in West Dorset, we should all be proud of Kingston Maurward College. Being an area rich in agricultural history and innovation, it seems right and proper that West Dorset should be the place in which so many bright young minds are empowered to work in agriculture and the countryside.

Having championed the college often in the House of Commons chamber, it has been a long running effort of mine to pursue greater funding measures to further increase the capacity and potential for Kingston Maurward.

It was therefore a pleasure to meet with Kingston Maurward Principal Luke Rake to discuss how to push this forward and dealing with the recent effects of the pandemic.

CHRIS LODER

WEST DORSET MP