Outcry over plan to build on greenbelt

PLANS for a large new industrial estate and up to 2,300 new homes in Gillingham revealed by North Dorset District Council last week have caused a public outcry.

Large areas of greenbelt land at Wyke have been identified as a possible site for a total of 22 hectares of new employment land under the "New Plan for North Dorset".

The district council held public consultations on the plan at various locations across north Dorset over the past two weeks, explaining the projected residential, commercial and industrial development of the region from now until 2026.

Of 7,000 homes to be provided over that period, Gillingham is earmarked for 2,300, more than Blandford with 1,500, Shaftebury with 1,200 or the remainder of the district, which will get 2,000 more homes.

The Plan reads: "An analysis of the economy of Gillingham shows that there is significant potential for further economic growth.

"Provision will be made for 2,500 net additional jobs in the period up to 2026 and 22 hectares of land for employment. Land will be provided at Station Road, the southern end of Brickfields Industrial Estate and at Park Farm, and at Neal's Yard Remedies.

"After 2016 land to the west of Wyke will also be developed for a new business park catering for high value businesses."

The news has alarmed people living in the vicinity of Wyke, where the open spaces are a haven for ramblers and dog-walkers and also offer some of the best views in the town.

David Walsh, an ex-RAF serviceman, retired to Wyke six years ago and says he is determined to fight the proposals.

He said: "I am quite worried because I don't think the infrastructure of the town will be able to cope with the influx of people.

"2,300 new homes will bring hundreds more cars into the town and the roads are already struggling.

"The idea of building this new business park at Wyke is also very worrying. People move to this area to enjoy the views of the open space, not to see a smokey industrial estate."

Residents are now in the process of forming a pressure group to campaign against the proposals, provisionally called "Save our Wyke".

For more on the North Dorset development vision, see Page 6.