Permission finally given to turn former Mountjoy School into flats

After almost two years formal permission has finally been signed off for the former Mountjoy School site in Bridport to be redeveloped for flats.

The 38-flat scheme for McCarthy & Stone had been widely criticised and opposed although the company claimed that more people were in support of the development, than against it.

During the planning process Dorset Council was criticised at one of its own committees for selling the site on the open market rather than consider affordable homes for local people.

The application was first submitted in October 2018, originally for 42 flats, and has been amended several times in response to objections.

An area planning committee in September 2019 approved the development, subject to satisfactorydetailed agreements being reached over a number of issues with the company. All of those have now been agreed and the formal consent issued.

The negotiations have included improvements to the Flood Lane footpath and details on the redesign of the size of the building. Other talks have been held about the details of a surface water and foul water management scheme and having an approved flood warning and evacuation plan for residents. The agreement also includes an approved site construction management plan which should reduce disturbance for neighbours.

Many of the objectors complained about the size and scale of the building, what they saw as a lack of car parking and the belief that the majority of the flats are too expensive for local people.

The scheme also had those in favour with a number saying it was a much-needed development which would help keep some local people in the town.

Bridport town council said that it was ‘deeply concerned’ that there was no affordable homes in the scheme.

Said the town council in an early comment on the proposal: “The Council remains concerned that the need for this development has not been properly demonstrated, given that other existing similar developments are not yet fully occupied. We are also concerned that the proposed development will not meet the needs of local residents. The proposals are over-development of the site, and despite modifications the building remains too high at three storeys, and is out-of-keeping with the surrounding area.”

McCarthy & Stone had argued that there was a need for accommodation for older people – with a prediction that 40 per cent of West Dorset’s population would be 65 or older by 2037.

By Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter