Plans for a new Development at St. Michael’s Trading Estate can be viewed on Friday 10th December at The Red Brick Cafe, St Michael’s from 11am til 2pm.
Two other controversial planning applications have previously been tendered by Hayward and Co. along with West Dorset District Council. WDDC has spent/wasted £170,000 on these applications already.
200 Jobs at Stake
The organisation Friends of St Michaels counted over 200 people working here. This area of Bridport supports many businesses and artisans, including:
It would be a shame to see this vibrant albeit scruffy area developed into some homogenised granny ghetto.
Hands off Haywards! Let’s keep some character in Bridport.
View previous stories on the proposed development of the south west quadrant…
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St.Michaels redevelopment ideas
I went to see the plans. Did you? I had my most sceptical hat on, and my “Love Bridport, Hate Haywards” combat t-shirt tactfully hidden under all my woolly clothes.
But do you know what? Haywards have ditched their original architects and their brief to the new ones has resulted in something much, much more in keeping with our town. To my surprise I can hardly think of anything to complain about – I actually like it.
I have had to burn the t-shirt. Well, it was due for a wash anyway.
RE: New Plans for South West Quadrant
From looking at the plans and reading between the lines and comments from Hayward’s Representatives. This seems to be a last ditch attempt by Hayward’s to get ‘Planning Approval’ on the site for a quick sell off to some other developer.
By trying to get these plans approved over the Christmas Period when a lot of Bridport’s public/committee/councillors are all on holiday. Not forgetting to mention it doesn’t give ANY Consultation Period for this great area of space within the heart of Bridport.
The Architects have only been working on the plans for 4 weeks prior pinning up in the Red Brick Café.
They seem to be trying to tick the boxes from the last rejection:-
· The Trick Factory is staying on the site, however, it will have 3 stories of ‘Affordable Housing above it.
· Artist units are staying in the main building.
· There is limited parking spaces for the proposed new Residential Homes, there seems to be NO car parking for the Commercial Traders that are staying.
· They are reducing the existing Commercial Units by over 10K sq’ and only adding 1K sq’. So quite a few business will be lost.
I am in full favour for development of this Quarter.
However, one has to trying and judge Hayward’s reasoning for trying to push through Planning Approval in this un-hand and speedy manner.
Alf