THE FACTS
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- The land at Wyke is not for sale nor is it likely to be in the future. Compulsory Purchase Order
- NDDC's own consultant’s report shows the land to be unsuitable for development in so much as it came 20th out of the 24 sites assessed for suitability in the "Atkins Report December 2010".
- It constitutes development of open countryside outside development limits contrary to Government guidelines. (Planning Policy Statement 7)
- It fails to recognise alternative Brownfield development opportunities but would rather develop a Greenfield site for the purpose of attracting High-value Business and Knowledge based industry which it has been unable to attract in the last 16 years even though in that time period 31% of employment land developed in the District has taken place at Gillingham, which is more than any other location in the District. Unable to attract High-value business.
- It is unsustainable in so far as it relates to existing business activity, planned housing development and nearby conurbation’s (Shaftesbury / Blandford). Commuting
- It will dramatically alter the local visual and recreational amenity. Out of character.
- It will harm local ecology, even though throughout the New Plan North Dorset District Council states the need to protect the environment, Listed buildings and wildlife.
- It will be incompatible with and adversely effect the settings and character of surrounding listed buildings going against legislation and national policy, which North Dorset District Council continually claim they will not do.
- It will necessitate a new Highway structure at significant cost and rural impact before High-value or Knowledge based industry would even consider this proposed development a viable proposition. Transport Infrastructure.
- It will have a detrimental impact upon an area of ancient historical interest, as Wyke is significant in origin and development of Saxon England.
- The land at Wyke is an area of local character, a "high value landscape area" an important local asset to residents of Gillingham who have shown their disapproval of the proposed development through the consultation process and the petition of 2105 signatures to Save Our Wyke. A Business Park would be entirely out of character.
