Plans to turn a prime town centre site into a retirement living complex have been described as 'a missed opportunity.’

Residents and councillors quizzed representatives from developers Churchill Retirement Living about plans to build a new complex in Bridport.

Two representatives attended Bridport Town Council’s planning committee on Monday, answering questions about proposals for the JC Philips site off South Street.

The developers told the meeting they were helping fulfil a ‘critical’ need for housing in the area with its plans for a gated community of 47 one and two-bedroom high end apartments and cottages aimed at the over 60s.

They said the size of the site gave them the opportunity to ‘offer something different.’ Members of the public were allowed to ask questions during the public forum at the start of the meeting – and those who spoke were not quite convinced.

One resident said he would’ve liked a broader discussion before the site was allocated for more retirement living.

He said he was not aware of a public consultation already carried out, and that he was ‘surprised’ at how advanced the plans are.

Although the developer is yet to submit a planning application, its website invites prospective buyers to register an interest.

It says: “Churchill are delighted to announce that we have identified a site in the picturesque coastal town of Bridport in Dorset, for a proposed collection of one and two bedroom retirement apartments. Only a mile from the dramatic Jurassic Coast, Bridport is a vibrant market town with an eclectic mix of shops, cafes and restaurants and a popular arts and culture scene.”

It was also put to developers that affordable housing does not form part of the plans.

Another member of the public questioned whether consideration had been given to problems with crime and anti-social behaviour in and around Dr Roberts Close – where part of the site will be accessed.

The developers told the meeting the gates would be monitored all day.

A presentation revealed some of the complexities of the site, including permanent access needed by the Environment Agency to a flood wall, and consideration needed to contamination from the former gas works.

Homes would be raised, the meeting was told, so water can run underneath in the event of a flood.

Access from the site onto South Street was highlighted as a concern due to visibility.

Cllr Sarah Carney said Bridport was in ‘dire need’ of social housing, particularly for young people in the town, and described the proposed use of the land as a ‘missed opportunity.’ She pointed out similar developments in the town aimed at older people from the same developer plus McCarthy Stone – and how there are still properties available there.

Cllr Carney questioned the need for such accommodation from people in Bridport. She also raised concern over the impact an ageing population was having on the county and its infrastructure.

She said the county hospital was currently in the process of updating itself to cope with the demand of the influx of the ageing population to the area and that people were already struggling to get GP appointments locally.

“I’m just not sure what this has to offer Bridport,” said Cllr Carney.

Cllr Kelvin Clayton agreed, telling the representatives it 'was nothing personal' against them but that the frustration was with planning policy.
 

The developers said they’re aiming to submit a planning application in the coming months.