Dorset: Dorchester, Charles Street Development

Seeking a progress report

"Simons had been planning to begin work in the autumn, subject to obtaining the relevant planning permission, and with a two-and-a-half year build period and archaeological dig to be carried out beforehand, anticipated opening the scheme in the spring of 2018. Concerns have recently been raised at suggestions that the archaeological works might be constrained by commercial considerations and a campaign has been set up that has attracted nearly 4,000 signatures".

"Campaigners welcome English Heritage stance on Charles Street" - Dorset Echo

"English Heritage says it cannot support the scheme in its current form due to the risk of substantial harm to archaeology of 'national significance' beneath the site. It also states that if the council was minded to approve the planning application for the second phase, it would be obliged to ask the Secretary of State to call in the application for a public enquiry".