Campaigners against 4,000 homes march through Dorchester

The Save the Area North of Dorchester (STAND) took to the town centre to voice their concerns over the proposed development of 4,000 homes by the North Dorchester Garden Community to the north of the county town, known colloquially as the 'Norchester' development.

STAND protestors at the town pump (Image: Tom Lawrence)

The protestors followed the 'Dorset Ooser', which was historically a character with a monstrous wooden mask with bull's hair and horns which was used to scare people away from the countryside.

A handout which was given out about the Dorset Ooser (Image: Tom Lawrence)

Local campaigners were joined by local politicians including Dorchester Mayor Alistair Chisholm, MP Chris Loder and Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for West Dorset Edward Morello.

Cllr Chisholm said: "Every now and again we get a chance to make a difference, this is our opportunity to make a difference.

Cllr Chisholm gave a speech in Dorchester town centre before the march (Image: Tom Lawrence)

"I don't think where they are proposing this particular development is appropriate, it will destroy the town and put all sorts of services under pressure.

"We need houses that are affordable for local people."

Mark Chutter, chair of the Thomas Hardy Society, said: "We are opposed to this development because it will desecrate the landscape described by Hardy in the Mayor of Casterbridge, it will be those beautiful water meadows that will be built on.

Mark Chutter, chair of the Thomas Hardy Society, carrying his Dorset Ooser with a sign saying 'Say no to Norchester' on the back (Image: Tom Lawrence)

"Local housing is important but it has got to be affordable, I feel the character of Dorchester would be changed by this development.

"We see this development as vandalism against Hardy's landscape, turning beautiful water meadows into a concrete jungle."

Campaigners opposed to the development have a number of concerns including connections and road links, the potential impact on the environment - including flooding and pollution - as well as the impact on heritage assets and tourism.

Developers have attempted to "offer clarity" regarding the need for development in the county, outlining benefits of creating homes and services near Dorchester.

A 90-second video by the developers showcases features proposed by the consortium, including the ‘North Dorchester Secondary School,’ healthcare facilities, the creation of a new 200-acre country park to maintain the area’s ecological balance and a new business park on the far-right side of the development.