Mr Ansell, as agent of the developer, spoke about the proposed site by showing a presentation to the committee. Emphasis was that this is a pre-planning consultation and nothing has been fixed.

He gave an overview of the site. Proposal has been informed by planning history and is not a blank piece of paper.

The feedback already received has been reviewed and is informing future work on this proposal. Have been working with Highways consultant, Dorset Highways and National Highways.

Aspiration for a Spine Road has been mentioned and can this connection be delivered realistically. Current ownership does not allow for this due to ransom strip. There is no legal or practical way to build this. Therefore, concentrated on current proposal. This could change if ownership changes.

Would be happy to provide adoptable road to possibly merge with current unadoptable road to the south in the future.

Following the presentation, members made comments which are summarised below:

The development would rely solely on Wincombe Lane for access, a route that already carries traffic from BV Dairy, residents, school traffic, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Concerns were raised about increased congestion, road safety risks, air and noise pollution, and whether Wincombe Lane is capable of accommodating traffic generated by up to 154 new homes.

The lack of a secondary access route is seen as a major weakness, with calls for a connection to the southeast and links to the wider road network, including future connections towards the A30 and any relief road proposals.

There were concerns that the scale and density of the development is not supported by adequate transport infrastructure.

Objections were raised regarding the absence of the long-planned road connection between Maple Road and Wincombe Lane.

The proposal conflicts with a range of established planning documents and policies, including the North Dorset Local Plan, the Persimmon Master Plan (2007), previous officer reports, and the Shaftesbury Neighbourhood Plan.

Concerns were expressed that the scheme would create a disconnected housing estate, undermine sustainable transport objectives, and prevent delivery of the wider movement network envisaged for eastern Shaftesbury.

It was requested for Sustainable Shaftesbury to be included in any BNG proposals. Mr Ansell confirmed that details would be included in Reserved Matters application, which includes Habitat Plan, however confirmed that the Town Council can be kept informed.

A concern was raised about emergency access, particularly the area's reliance on air ambulance services due to travel times to hospitals in Salisbury, Dorchester, and Yeovil.

Councillors and residents requested detailed traffic studies, highway assessments, and evidence supporting claims that the existing road network can safely accommodate development traffic.