South West Quadrant, Bridport

It is a priority task to examine opportunities for the regeneration of the South West Quadrant and implement the first phase of plans for its regeneration.

Over the years a considerable amount of work has been targeted at regenerating the area between West Street, South Street and the River Brit.

The South West Quadrant Regeneration Framework [4Mb] (opens in a new window), based on a detailed analysis of the various constraints, issues and aspirations for the area was developed and consulted on during 2001. It was then adopted as supplementary planning guidance in February 2002.

This document sets out key issues such as history and evolution of the area, land uses and movement. It also includes a design rationale and planning guidelines about arrival points, patterns of use, lively streets and quiet places plus heritage interpretation.

The implementation of the South West Quadrant regeneration strategy is being progressed through discussions with landowners. The historic and cultural significance of the area has been recognised by English Heritage in their recent book Bridport and West Bay – the buildings of the flax and hemp industry.

English Heritage, the South West Regional Development Agency and the Housing Corporation have all acknowledged the importance of this project. A HERS final report [7Mb] (opens in a new window) (HERS), giving help with building repairs and enhancement in the South West Quadrant has already resulted in some improvements. An evaluation of the performance and effectiveness of the scheme is provided in the final report.

Latest Plans

In 2007, West Dorset District Council and the landowners of the trading estate commissioned architects Morgan Carey to draw up a concept statement showing how the area around the coach station and trading estate could be improved and redeveloped. This was prepared in advance of detailed planning applications to give the public the opportunity to have their say and influence the design before it is submitted. The statement set out an analysis of the site and the proposed outline design. The statement went on display in Tannery Road on 3 and 4 August 2007 when staff from the architect's design team were on hand to answer questions. The statement was also made available for viewing at the council offices at Mountfield and online. The comments received were used to help refine the proposals prior to the submission of a planning application.

An outline planning application (opens in a new window) was submitted in March 2008 (reference 1/D/08/000574) and proposed 175 new homes (of which 35% were proposed to be affordable for local need), an improved bus stop arrangement with coach drop off and pick up facilities, car and taxi parking, new replacement public toilets, the retention of much of the existing historically important employment space together with some new employment and commercial activities. The application also included a publically accessible wildlife area and a new walkway alongside the river.

The application was considered by the West Dorset Development Control Committee at a special meeting held in Bridport on 13 May 2009. The Committee decided to refuse planning permission on the basis that the application did not provide equivalent replacement parking for coaches within the redevelopment of Coach Station Square.

Following the refusal of planning permission, the bus station was redesigned to provide replacement coach parking bays and a revised planning application (opens in a new window) (reference 1/D/09/001051) was submitted in July 2009. At a special meeting held on 20 August 2009, the Development Control committee refused planning permission. The committee was concerned that the amount of development proposed in the St Michael's Trading Estate area would be at odds with the established character of the South West Quadrant and would neither preserve nor enhance the character of the Bridport Conservation Area. There was also concern that pedestrian safety would be compromised by the new bus station layout.

Following an appeal by Hayward & Co to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government against the first refusal of planning permission, an independent Planning Inspector opened a planning inquiry at Parkdean Holiday Park in West Bay on January 26 2010. The inspector then closed the inquiry after finding that Haywards had no right to appeal.

Further enquiries regarding the appeal should be directed to the Planning Inspectorate quoting reference APP/F1230/E/09/2113291/NWF. The Planning Inspectorate Customer Support Line is answered between 8am and 4.45pm Monday to Thursday and 8am and 4.30pm on Fridays. Outside of these times messages can be left on voicemail.