PROTESTERS stuck objection letters to the windows of a council building in fierce opposition to a proposed church and care home. 

A large group of residents gathered inside and outside the Allendale Centre in Hanham Road, Wimborne to show their fury at the development plans on Blackfield Farm in West Moors.  

More than 550 letters of objection were submitted for the 60-bed home and new church after two previously failed attempts by the developer and landowner Nick Aris. 

Councillors on the planning committee met on Wednesday, March 13 to decide on the application. 

Bournemouth Echo: Protesters at Allendale Centre in Wimborne

Bournemouth Echo: Protesters at the planning committee

Many of the objectors were concerned about the extra traffic the home could bring – warning children at the nearby school could be in a crash.

Speaking at the meeting, resident Andy Skeats said highway safety “is missing” and the junction is an “accident waiting to happen”. 

He said: “Please ensure every member has personally experienced the right turn there. I demand a site visit personally before voting. 

“Two recent speed watches on separate days in Station Road saw 943 cars an hour at 11.30am and 1,105 at 2pm.” 

Chris Davidson added: “In an age of keeping people safe, is this council really willing to risk injury or worse the death of school children as young as three or elderly residents as a direct result of care home traffic or care home and ambulance traffic.” 

Bournemouth Echo: Illustrations for proposed church and care home in land off Blackfield Lane in West Moors.Illustrations for proposed church and care home in land off Blackfield Lane in West Moors.

Cllr Nicki Senior, of West Moors Town Council, told the meeting that the scheme would impact 300 students at the nearby school from vehicle pollution, bring noise pollution and more traffic. 

Ward councillor David Shortell described Blackfield Lane as “extremely narrow, highly exclusive residential road with limited access”.  

Dorset Council highways officer Steve Savage said his department did not object to the application because it would bring less traffic than the previously rejected schemes. 

He added there have been three crashes at the junction of Station Road and The Avenue and none are to do with the road layout. 

Jason Cunningham, the agent for the applicant, explained that the site was suitable for a care home and church, adding there was a “clear need” for more care home spaces in the area. 

However in the end, it was decided the result will be deferred to allow councillors a site visit to take a look at Blackfield Road, The Avenue and Station Road – all leading up to the farm. 

A final decision is expected on April 24.