OBJECTIONS have continued over proposed new homes on a Weymouth ‘skyline’ site.

An initial outline application for the plot at Overcombe Drive has been replaced by a full planning application for four homes, rather than six, semi-detached home.

Developers say they have made the changes to take into account public criticism of the initial designs.

More than 20 letters of objection were lodged with Dorset Council against the first proposal with both Weymouth Town Council and the Weymouth Civic Society asking Dorset Council to reject it. The second application has brought a similar response - although there have been fewer objections after the site was described differently than the initial proposal and was more difficult to find on the council website.

The linear site is on open land near the brow of the hill between Nos 38 and 40 Overcombe Drive and had been intended to be kept clear of homes to preserve the skyline view.

Objectors said they are worried about the size, scale and potential flood risk from the proposed homes as well as a loss of natural habitat and impact on the surrounding landscape and public footpath.

It is also claimed that the character of the homes will not be in keeping with the existing properties in Overcombe Drive and nearby Ringstead Crescent.

Ward councillor Tony Ferrari said although the revised application appears to be a reduction in the number of homes it is actually an increase in structures, going from three pairs of semi-detached homes to four larger properties: “There is significant overshadowing of the two adjacent properties, numbers 38 and 40 with taller buildings set higher on the hillside next to both of them,” he said in his personal letter of objection.

“One of the primary objections to the previous application was the impact on the skyline. The original site was developed to leave this gap along the crest of the hill. All of the surrounding estate was built to preserve this. These new dwellings will clearly breach the skyline. From Weymouth this will have the effect of closing another gap in the skyline view from town. This is part of a progressive destruction of all of the green hills, steadily changing the character of the town from one in a rural setting to an urban settlement with buildings as far as the eye can see.”

Cllr Ferrari said that although there were stylistic improvements from the previous application none of the substantive issues about the development have been resolved.

Dorset Council has yet to make a decision on the full application and the deadline for comments on the proposal has now passed.