Outline plans for a huge redevelopment of the Weymouth Pavilion Peninsula have been controversially approved after going before borough councillors for the final time.

The multi-million-pound scheme, which could see hotels and a pub/diner built on the site, sparked a heated debate at a meeting of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council’s planning committee yesterday.

Members of the public packed into the Pavilion Ocean Room to have their say in a bid to stop the proposals getting the seal of approval.

Addressing councillors, Pavilion director Phil Say said: “There has been a complete lack of imagination.

“Two hotels and a pub/diner with 40 rooms directly opposite our own stock of hotels seems completely ludicrous from a business point of view.

“Having hotels in close proximity to us means we will inevitably have noise complaints and we will suffer. Don’t just go with the first plan that comes in.”

Cllr Tia Roos, who is not on the planning committee, called the plan "flawed" and said it was not wanted by the community.

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However Adam Pyrke, of scheme advisors Cushman and Wakefield, said: "It is largely a vacant, underused brownfield site. It's a site which needs regeneration...it is important to take the next step forward."

The application proposes the demolition of existing buildings, excluding the Pavilion Theatre and Jurassic Skyline viewing tower, to make way for new developments.

More than £11 million will have to be borrowed to get the scheme underway, together with another £3 million taken from council reserves.

Concerns over several issues including the financial viability of the scheme, flood risks and the potential impact on the Pavilion were discussed.

Cllr Christine James said: "The Pavilion has gone to huge efforts to bring itself up to a good standard. It doesn't need competition with a pub/diner. "I would be happy to defer this and go back to the drawing board. I can't agree with it because I have a social conscience."

A lack of provision for cyclists was another concern raised by Cllr Jon Orrell, who also opposed the plan.

However other councillors showed their support for the scheme, saying it was time to do something with the site.

Cllr Kevin Brookes said: "We can't keep kicking the can when it comes to deciding what to do with the site. You have to start somewhere."

Councillors voted seven to four to approve the outline planning application subject to the condition that the setting and views of the Devonshire Buildings, Nothe Fort and gardens, and the Esplanade are considered within any future detailed planning application.

During discussions, councillors also voted in favour of a condition for the development to include at least 600 car parking spaces, as well as proposal for future consultations to be conducted with members of the public and town council.

Phase one of the project will now move forward meaning further consultation for the detailed reserved matters will take place.