PLANS to regenerate the Pavilion peninsula have been described as ‘uninspiring, unsustainable and unviable’ by a Weymouth businessman.

Residents, stakeholders and businesses are currently invited to give their views on the plans ahead of a decision being made by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council’s planning committee.

Mickey Jones, chief executive of DJ Property, has backed comments made by residents that plans for a 120-bed hotel at the site will threaten the future of the resort’s seafront guesthouses, as reported in the Dorset Echo last week.

Mr Jones said the hotels proposed in the application will ‘seriously diminish the viability of the existing small businesses and further reduce the chances of any investment needed to maintain and improve these Listed Buildings’.

In a further attack on the borough council in his official response to the planning application, Mr Jones said the authority’s officers and councillors are ‘not experienced in developments of this kind’ and that ‘the proposals cannot be justified simply because they appear to be endorsed by selected consultants’.

He added: “It is our opinion that the application has been hastily prepared and submitted before the borough council disappears and Weymouth becomes part of a much larger unitary authority. This application includes a number of “easy, quick wins” in an attempt to deliver “something” for Weymouth.”

Mr Jones also criticised the plans for not including residential uses.

Leader of WPBC Cllr Jeff Cant has 'absolutely rejected' the idea of homes on the site, and said he is confident the proposals will get the backing of the planning committee.

But while some residents who have commented on the plans have raised concerns over the loss of 300 parking spaces, Mr Jones said the rise of the self-driving car could mean that the 327 spaces retained in the plans are not needed at all.

Regarding what he would recommend at the site, Mr Jones suggested:

  • A greater provision of public open spaces and high quality public realm, where people can meet/socialise and events can be hosted.

  • Residential uses should be included to improve financial viability and contribute to the Borough’s housing shortage.

  • Unapologetic, dramatic and inspiring buildings, art and public structures should be included. These are essential to make the site a “must visit” destination for local people and visitors to Weymouth.

People wishing to comment on the plans have until Sunday, July 8 to do so.