12th May 2010

BRIDPORT: New site added to waste station shortlist

A SEVENTH site has been added to the shortlist for a new waste transfer station in Bridport.

Dorset County Council has announced that Lilac Farm, which lies to the east of the Green Lane site and has direct access off the A35, will join six short-listed sites for more in-depth evaluation by Independent planning consultants, Nicholas Pearson Associates (NPA).

Lilac Farm was identified as a result of a general enquiry, during the Stage 1A report, into the availability and ownership of the Green Lane site.

The site has since been assessed, reviewed and scored using the same methodology developed for the Stage 1 and 1A reports and NPA has recommended Lilac Farm goes forward for further consideration.

The seven short-listed sites are now:

Broomhills Farm

Eype Junction (previously referred to as the Watton Farm site adjacent to the picnic area)

Gore Cross North of Watford Lane

Green Lane

Lilac Farm

Miles Cross 1

Miles Cross 2

Two public exhibitions will now be held to give local people a chance to identify their preferred sites.

Dorset County Council's head of waste management Steve Burdis said: “Our search for a waste management centre to serve the people of Bridport is proving a long and difficult issue, with no simple answer. We strongly encourage residents to come and visit the exhibition to find out about the sites under consideration and share their views with us. This is the last chance for local people to have their input before the site assessment process is completed this summer.”

Following the public consultation the seven sites will be evaluated on a number of factors including transport infrastructure and access, flood risk, drainage and water quality, landscape character and visual impact, and the extent to which the land supports the area's planning policies.

The results of the assessment will be reported to the county council’s cabinet, who will then make the final decision about which site will go forward for a planning application. Public consultation will of course form part of any planning application.

The public exhibitions will be at the town hall on Friday, May 21st from 11am to 6pm and Saturday, May 22nd from 9:30am to 12:30pm.