Plans to build a retirement living complex of more than 70 properties at a prime town centre site faced fierce opposition last night. 

Bridport Town Council's planning committee met to discuss Churchill Living's planning application to build 48 retirement apartments and 25 cottages on the JC Philips site, just off South Street.

Churchill claims the multi-million pound housing development would be designed for 'local people over the age of 60 who want to carry on living independently as they get older 'whilst enjoying safety, support and a social life.'

But the public and councillors strongly disagreed. 

Mountfield was packed full of people wishing to speak at the beginning of the meeting during the public forum.

Concerns were raised about the site sitting in a flood zone, and that Churchill's solution to this - building homes on a raised level - was 'not enough', particularly given the age of those who would be living at the site and 'an increased risk of falls.'

Resident Jan Parker said, if given the go-ahead, the development would create an 'imbalance in our community' and put additional strain on local services. 

Numerous residents raised the issue of lack of affordable and social housing for young people, families and one to two bedroom rental properties available. 

The issue of Bridport's housing crisis was stressed, and those who spoke felt the Churchill plans did nothing to address this. 

One resident described the plans as a 'soulless design' and expressed fears Bridport 'is at risk of becoming a welcome hub for the elderly' and a 'no hope hub for the financially struggling.'

Councillors echoed the public's concerns and unanimously voted to reject the plans.

They said the development didn't meet the housing needs assessment for the area, and that Bridport's priority should be rental accommodation, ideally one to two bedroom properties; social housing and housing for local people, particularly young people and families.

Cllr Anne Rickard said she could not see 'a single benefit' of the development going ahead in the town. 

The town council is asked for input as a consultee, and can object or support an application, but it does not have the power to approve or refuse the application. It is up to Dorset Council whether to approve or refuse the plans.  

The same applies to other agencies, and the meeting heard the Environment Agency has also opposed the plans. 

In its response to Dorset Council, it stated: "We object to the application as submitted on flood risk grounds and request further information and clarity at this stage."