12th May 2010

WEYMOUTH: Planning committee rejects application for flats

A SCHEME to build four flats and four houses in Weymouth has been refused permission by planners.

Lomand Homes had wanted to knock down a house and a chalet bungalow at Courtauld Drive to make way for the development, but councillors didn’t like the idea despite their officers urging them to accept the scheme.

Instead members of Weymouth and Portland planning committee voted 6-2 to refuse permission for the scheme on grounds of its scale and mass and the adverse effect it would have on the character of the area.

Objectors claimed that the site formed part of one of the few remaining untouched areas in the borough.

They criticised the scheme as “overdevelopment” and claimed that the only reason for demolishing two good homes was “profit”.

Lomond Homes said the site could comfortably accommodate the development which was “well landscaped to maintain the sylvan character of the area”.

But Councillor Geoff Petherick said he felt that the development “changes quite dramatically the overall character of the area”.

He opposed it as did Councillor Christine James who had concerns about parking.

Councillor Margaret Leicester said: “I am not happy. I live in a cul-de-sac and I would be horrified if flats were built down there.

“I am very disappointed at the prospect of two nice properties being demolished. It is overdevelopment.”