£120M Weymouth housing development could start construction this year

The £120m new housing scheme, to be built on land near Littlemoor Road, will feature a new primary school, a care home, local centre, commercial and employment space and will benefit from the creation of large areas of public open space. Of the 500 homes at the proposed development, 225 of these would be classed as affordable homes.

Lovell Southern, part of the £3 billion Morgan Sindall Group, has entered into a joint venture agreement with Abri, one of the south’s largest housing providers, to build the 500 homes as an urban extension on the outskirts of Weymouth.

With outline planning agreed by Dorset Council in December 2020, the next steps will be to submit a reserve matters planning application for the design and mix of the development in the spring.

Where the new homes will be built in Littlemoor area of Weymouth. Picture: Google/Dorset Council

A Lovell spokesman said the proposed multi-million development would 'transform the area and generate much needed affordable housing for local people.'

He added it was in keeping with Dorset Council's Local Plan and 'would make a significant contribution to the local housing targets'.

The development's design will be developed to preserve and enhance the natural environment through protection of existing trees, hedgerows, create wildlife corridors and habitats with a number of footpaths and cycle paths to also be constructed.

South coast architects Boyle+Summers is leading on the master planning of the development including place making and design of houses.

Andrew Johnston, regional manager director for Lovell Southern, said: “We believe this exciting development is a step closer to providing hundreds of quality new homes in this area with this joint venture with Abri.

“This is another major quality housing scheme for the region which, if granted planning, will bring quality, energy efficient homes to the area whilst also driving job creation, apprenticeships and economic growth over the next ten years.”

Mr Johnson added: “The proposal is a dedicated programme of investment, partnership working and housing delivery for the region.”

James Pennington, Director of Development at Abri, said: “We know that partnership working is essential if we are to deliver the homes people need. This joint venture with Lovell will provide people with a high quality, sustainable home and to be part of a community where everyone has the opportunity to belong, grow and thrive.”

Richard Summers, director at Boyle+Summers, added: “The objective is to create a safe and walkable development, work with the site landscape features to create a strong sense of place and identity as well as character through ensuring a high quality development.”

If granted full planning permission, it is anticipated Lovell will start on the main build at the end of the year.