Corfe Mullen residents have said a resounding "No Deal!" to the South West Regional Assembly's bid to allow up to 700 homes to be built in the Green Belt.

The Parish Plan survey results show that a clear majority of residents do not want to see any of the Green Belt built on.  Moreover, most people do not believe that anything like 700 homes will be needed in the village over the next twenty years.

Councillor Peter Haward, Chairman of the Parish Council, said:

"It is quite clear that people do not see any advantage in these proposals.  Certainly the majority of homes, whether market-priced or social housing, would go to people from outside Corfe Mullen, and the existing community would see increased traffic, more pressure on doctors, dentists, schools etc., and less open space too."

"The proposals have come about because the Government sees Corfe Mullen as an extension of the Bournemouth/Poole conurbation, yet in reality it is a semi-rural village with its own distinct community". 

The Parish Council is now launching a campaign against the proposals.  It will be forming a forum to coordinate the campaign and will be working with all interested groups and possibly joining up with other parish councils in East Dorset who are subject to similar proposals.

In the meantime, residents are being urged to respond to the public consultation in May and write in with their objections.  The Parish Council will be able to provide details of the sorts of reasons for objection which are most likely to be taken into account.

Although any new development would not become a reality for several years, it is important that views are put forward now before the RSS is adopted in 2008.

Residents are also being urged to attend the CORFE MULLEN ANNUAL PARISH MEETING - THURSDAY 20 APRIL 2006

7.30 P.M. at the Corfe Mullen Village Hall, to find out how they can help fight the proposals

For more information contact:

Katrina Blee, Clerk to the Council on 01202 698600
(email: ).