1. Early Stages & Local Consultation (2021)
Bridport Town Council and Symondsbury Parish Council kicked things off in August 2021 with public exhibitions and online engagement, introducing the emerging “Foundry Lea” plans to local residents .
Campaign group Advearse voiced appreciation for early consultation but remained focused on infrastructure concerns, especially regarding flood defences, sewage capacity, and transport links .
2. Planning Approval with Conditions (2022–2023)
The Council granted outline planning consent in August 2022 with reserved matters postponed as drainage and environmental details remained unresolved .
In early 2023, detailed final consent was obtained after negotiating changes to three drainage basins — led by Environment Agency input — including fencing or landscaping around water features for public safety .
3. Preparatory Activity & Community Sessions (Spring 2023)
Developers hosted a “Meet the Builder” open event in March 2023 at Bridport Town Hall to address local concerns: hedgerow removal, utilities, drainage, and the A35 junction .
Construction traffic management, construction hours, and environmental safeguards became focal points for ongoing dialogue with Dorset Council .
4. Breaking Ground & Infrastructure Commitments (Mid‑2023)
In July 2023, barratt David Wilson Homes and Countryside Partnerships officially broke ground. Preparatory works began, with full-scale construction slated for autumn/winter 2023 .
Through a £6 million Section 106 package, developers committed to funding the primary school, care home, medical centre expansion, sports facilities, and a construction-focused Skills Academy .
Local contractors and tradespeople were promised roles in the delivery of the project, underpinning economic benefits for the region .
5. Community Concerns Persist
Advearse and residents voiced concerns around increased traffic at the A35 A35/Miles Cross junction — with calls for the roundabout to be completed before homes were occupied .
Flooding and riverbank stability (Asker, Brit, Simene) remained key issues for Advearse, with demands for independently verified drainage management plans above and beyond developer proposals .
Politicians and campaigners criticised the loss of ancient hedgerows and the perceived impact on the town's character and overload on local infrastructure like sewage systems and health services .
6. Next Phase & Ongoing Progress (Late 2023–2025)
Initial dwellings began taking shape by autumn/winter 2023; aim shifted toward having foundations in place by autumn 2024 and first residents by summer 2025 .
As of mid‑2025, site clearance, infrastructure setup, and early construction works remain ongoing—alongside sustained planning talks to ensure delivery of the roundabout, school, care home, and commercial space .
Picture by Daryl Gill Photography.
Milestone Status as of June 2025
Planning Approval Granted (Aug 2022 + detailed consent in mid‑2023) Groundbreaking July 2023.
Infrastructure Delivery Roundabout, school, care home, medical centre in planning pipeline.
Homes Completion Foundations by autumn 2024, occupancy by summer 2025 targeted.
Key Concerns Flooding, traffic, sewage, landscape, wildlife & town character.
Picture by Daryl Gill Photography.
Final Thoughts
The Foundry Lea development marks a major transformation for Bridport: delivering much‑needed affordable homes, local jobs, and facilities—but not without spirited local debate. As the site moves from groundwork to finished neighbourhood, it's crucial that developers, councils, and residents continue working together to:
- Resolve flooding and water management issues.
- Ensure road infrastructure (especially the Miles Cross roundabout) is operational before significant occupancy.
- Integrate the development into local character, maintaining landscape buffers, wildlife corridors, and heritage hedgerows.
- Confirm commitments to community assets promised via Section 106 funding.
Picture by Daryl Gill Photography.
What’s Next?
Expect the first Foundry Lea newsletter to arrive soon, detailing progress, traffic plans, and avenues for local input.
Key upcoming milestones: drainage completion, Miles Cross roundabout delivery, school/care home planning approval, and occupation of the first homes.
Picture by Daryl Gill Photography.
Keep an eye on local council planning updates and Advearse or Bridport Town Council bulletins for developments on environmental and infrastructure safeguards.