Upset residents have flooded Dorset Council with objections to plans for up to 360 homes on one of the last undeveloped pieces of land between Chickerell and Weymouth.

Concerned locals and many people from further away have added their comments to a proposal to build on fields north of the Weymouth West police station, west of Southill.

People can comment on the plans – ref P/OUT/2026/03607 – on Dorset Council’s planning portal until Friday, August 7.

The site is surrounded by designated nature spots – Crookhill Brick Pit, for example, is an SSSI, SAC and LNR with a population of protected crested newts.

Radipole Lake, just 0.4km to the south, is an SSSI with a host of rare plant species.

Campaigners say the site itself also hosts many species of flora and fauna.

People are also concerned the homes would be sited very close to a new battery storage facility and would be vulnerable if a fire broke out there.

Resident Dawn Dickinson of Save Southill Fields Weymouth said: “A group of us in the community are working to protect this area from development due to its significant value for wildlife and biodiversity. The fields are regularly used by a wide range of species, including birds of prey, migratory birds, mammals, and important plant life.

“Many local residents have also been recording sightings and gathering evidence to demonstrate just how vital this habitat is.

“We are particularly concerned about the loss of this green space, not only for wildlife but for the wider community who value it as a natural area. We believe this is a story that deserves wider attention, as it highlights both environmental and community impacts.”

The fields west of Southill cover about 178,000 square metres. The land was previously agricultural but is currently only used as open space.

Builders CG Fry, based in Litton Cheney, have proposed 325 homes, saying the project will go some way towards making up the 8,000-home target set by the government for Dorset. They say 35% of the homes will be affordable.

But the proposal has sparked huge concerns locally, and more than 3,000 people have signed a petition against the plans at change.org

Scores of people have made representations to the council.

Estelle Toms wrote: “I have lived here for 54 years. I and my family have used these fields…The fields are full of protected wildlife – slow worms, owls, bats, badgers. It was full of orchids until they were poisoned. Far too much building has gone on, turning Chickerell into a town from a village – not to any benefit, as no school or doctors was ever developed.

“By law we are supposed to have green zones. Well, if you allow all these dreadful developments to happen it will be a disaster that once done cannot be rectified.

“Flora and fauna are sometimes more important – all this land has been natural for more than 100 years.”

A spokesperson from CG Fry & Son said: “Further to public consultation held earlier this year, we have submitted an outline planning application to Dorset Council for a sustainable residential development on land west of Southill. This project identifies a logical location for up to 360 high-quality homes, including up to 35% affordable properties, alongside extensive new public open space. While the site is identified in the emerging Dorset Local Plan, it is not a new proposal and the privately owned site has been recognised for development since 2018.

“Beyond delivering much-needed new homes, the scheme is designed to provide significant benefits. Plans feature new pedestrian and cycle links to Grafton Avenue, play areas, sustainable drainage systems and extensive landscape planting. The project also incorporates flood risk reduction measures specifically designed to protect neighbouring Southill and will result in significant investment in local infrastructure including education, health and highway improvements through planning obligations.

“This development builds on CG Fry & Son’s established commitment to the area, following our work creating new homes at Chesil Reach in Chickerell, Nottington Park in Weymouth and Poundbury.”