WORK to build a new roundabout on the A35 will begin 'this winter' - despite concerns that plans have not included a crossing for pedestrians and cyclists.

The notorious Miles Cross junction near Bridport is set to be turned into a roundabout after plans were approved to build 760 new homes at nearby Vearse Farm. 

Developers were given the green light in June for the major project - called Foundry Lea - which will also see a new primary school and care home built on greenbelt land.

The scheme has been controversial with locals for some time, with Bridport residents fearing it could overwhelm the town's resources and infrastructure.

One key issue has been the Miles Cross junction and concerns that additional construction traffic could cause issues on the busy route.

Back in April, campaigners demanded work should be carried out at the notorious junction before hundreds of new homes are built.

An agreement between the developers and Dorset Council meant work could begin on the first phase of homes before the Miles Cross roundabout is completed.

Last week, The News reported that work on the housing scheme will begin 'in the autumn or winter' and this week, developers confirmed that work on the new roundabout is hoped to start 'this winter' and finish by next year. 

This means that construction on both the new roundabout and new homes could begin at the same time later this year.

Last week, Bridport town councillor Sarah Carney raised fears that footpaths across the entire Vearse Farm site could be closed for several years during construction.

Cllr Carney also claimed that there are 'no plans' to include a pedestrian and cycle route across the new A35 roundabout and 'link up' with the existing footpath on the other side of the busy road.

"The alternatives [to walking through Vearse Farm] involve taking our lives into our own hands over the A35 because the existing rights of way were lost when the bypass was built," she said.

"We are told there are no plans to reinstate them or build a crossing over the new Miles Cross roundabout despite us continually asking for one."

The Foundry Lea scheme is being built by developers Barratt David Wilson Homes and Countryside Partnerships.

A spokesperson for the developers said: “Our vision for Foundry Lea is of a neighbourhood with excellent connectivity to the local area.

"That’s why, as part of our plans, we are supporting the construction of a new roundabout, Miles Cross, at the junction of the B1362 (West Road) and the A35. 

“Following extensive engagement with Dorset Council and National Highways, we have recently submitted the proposal for the new roundabout for technical approval.

"This follows the approval of the roundabout design as part of the granting of the outline planning permission in 2019. We anticipate work to begin this winter and to be complete by winter 2024.

“Throughout this process, we have worked closely with Bridport Town Council and Symondsbury Parish Council as part of the regular meetings of the Foundry Lea working group.

"We will continue to work closely with the community as the project progresses.”

A Dorset Council spokesperson confirmed that the roundabout design will now be subject to a 'technical submission and appraisal process'. 

This is undertaken by council planning officers in consultation with National Highways, which runs the A35.

There is no public consultation as part of this process, the spokesperson confirmed.

Rebecca Edmond, National Highways’ head of planning and development in the south west, said: “In view of the plans for development alongside the A35, we’re working closely with developers and local authority to ensure the safety of all road users, both during and after construction.”