Decision day looms for retail development at Weymouth Gateway

The major plan for the Weymouth Gateway site off Mercery Road would still have to be referred to Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick for consideration however if it is approved as the land is designated a key employment site (office and light industrial use).

Mr Jenrick has the power to 'call in' the scheme and ultimately decide whether it conflicts with local planning policies. However Dorset Council officers believe the job creation and investment in the local area that the scheme would provide outweighs the loss of the key employment site.

They are recommending the scheme is approved at a meeting tomorrow providing the application gains a sustainable transport contribution of £144,042.02 under a legal agreement (Section 106), and subject to other planning conditions. But they say the scheme should be refused by councillors if the scheme is not 'called in' but the legal agreement is not completed.

Chris Newns, Director of Avercet, at the Weymouth Gateway development site

The planned development by LondonMetric Property and Avercet, proposes the construction of three ‘big box’ retail warehouse units, two restaurants or coffee shops on undeveloped land to the east of Mercery Road.

They also make provision for a plot to be marketed for 'employment use', and another area set aside as ‘future development land’.

• Read more - Report into value of Weymouth Gateway retail scheme suggests multi-million boost for town

If approved the site - directly opposite Aldi - would see multiple brands open new branches including Dunhelm, B&M Homestore, McDonald’s and a Costa Coffee drive-through. A large car park will be formed along with 32 proposed electric car charging spaces and cycle parking areas.

Under its reasons for recommendation of approval, the report from council officers states the proposed development ‘would not lead to a significant adverse impact on Weymouth town centre or other existing centres’ and ‘considered acceptable in its design and general visual impact.’

It adds the benefits of the plans ‘outweigh the loss of part of the key employment site’ and is unlikely to cause any ‘any significant harm’ to nearby residential areas.

As reported, Weymouth Town Council has objected to the plan as it wants to protect the site for businesses that will provide higher quality jobs.

The Dorset Council report states that people have been asked for their opinions on the project, with some comments stating the development ‘will create jobs and bring investment and economic growth into Weymouth’ and overhauling a derelict site that has been vacant for more than 10 years. 

The proposed layout of the retail development. Picture: Corstorphine Wright Architects

Others say the project will ‘draw shoppers into Weymouth who in turn will venture into the town and surrounding areas’ as well as ‘improve Weymouth’s offerings as a visitor attraction in and out of season’.

There are criticisms of the proposed project, namely its impact on taking business away from the town centre, the location could be instead used as an employment site or business park, Weymouth has ‘too many fast food outlets’ and that the ‘proposal does nothing to regenerate seaside towns’.

Other issues raised have been the additional traffic in the area, the location of the entrance/exit could block emergency vehicles departing the nearby ambulance station and recommends that a controlled traffic management plan needs to be developed. 

There are also fears the drive-through fast food outlet could also cause litter and anti-social behaviour well as further anti-social behaviour if the car park is not closed at night. 

In a report published in August 2020 by market analysts Aecom concluded that at least 240 jobs would be created once the site was operational, as well as a further 40 should an occupier come forward for the serviced plot and ‘future development land’, bringing the total number of direct permanent jobs on site to 280. 

• Read more - The major projects that could change the face of Weymouth 

Previously, Chris Newns, Director of Avercet, spoke of his excitement at the prospect of bringing a development of this kind to Weymouth.

“Weymouth has always suffered because Bournemouth, Poole, Dorchester all seem to come first, so to bring a development like this to the town is very exciting,” he added.

The council report adds the development could also provide nearly £5 million a year to Weymouth’s economy.

The plans, which were previously submitted to Dorset Council in September 2019, will be discussed by the authority’s Western and Southern Area Planning Committee next Tuesday, March 9. 

The major plan for the Weymouth Gateway site off Mercery Road would still have to be referred to Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick for consideration however if it is approved as the land is designated a key employment site (office and light industrial use).

Mr Jenrick has the power to 'call in' the scheme and ultimately decide whether it conflicts with local planning policies.

However, Dorset Council officers believe the job creation and investment in the local area that the scheme would provide outweighs the loss of the key employment site.

They are recommending the scheme is approved at a meeting next week providing the application gains a sustainable transport contribution of £144,042.02 under a legal agreement (Section 106), and subject to other planning conditions.

But they say the scheme should be refused by councillors if the scheme is not 'called in' but the legal agreement is not completed.