A PACKED meeting saw residents raise concerns over potential development of a site in Motcombe.

Representatives from developer CG Fry were at the July 9 gathering of Motcombe Parish Council to address concerns over speculation a site in The Street was to be developed for housing.

David Lohfink, planning director, Mark Chevis, land director, and senior planner Paul Hofman, answered questions and listened to concerns of more than 100 villagers.

They confirmed consideration was being given to develop fields to the rear of The Barn, in The Street – but said any future plans would probably be for no more than 50 homes.

Residents, who were invited to ask questions of the guests, raised concerns over the site being a flood plain, the safety of children getting to the nearby school, and whether the development would be allowed as the site is outside the Motcombe Neighbourhood Plan.

In response, the representatives said any scheme would include parking provision and footpaths to increase safety for children, while the neighbourhood plan was set to be reviewed later in the year.

Flooding would be addressed in any planning application, and they said the scheme could improve flood defences.

However, another issue raised at the meeting was the fact Cllr Francesca Burney owns the fields earmarked for the development.

It was explained how Cllr Burney would be required to declare an interest ahead of any discussions on the matter, which is not in breach of any rules.

Cllr Burney’s listed home address is The Barn, in The Street, but has no other properties or land in the Motcombe Parish Council area listed on her register of interests.

The Motcombe Parish Council code of conduct outlines how members are expected to declare an interest in “business or land” in cases such as this.

The code states members who “have a prejudicial interest in any business of your authority” (the council), “must withdraw from the room or chamber where considering the business is being held”.

No planning application has yet been submitted for the site and residents were assured the developer would hold public meetings before detailed plans were completed.