A DEVELOPER has unveiled plans for a major new residential development, hotel and care home facility at the former QinetiQ Bincleaves site at Newton's Cove, Weymouth.
The 12-acre site was sold to Poole-based Juno Developments UK Ltd in March - and its director James Dean said the firm is "super excited" to reveal plans for the picturesque waterfront location - representing an investment of around £70 million.
The draft proposals include 184 one, two and three bedroomed apartments, some of which will be for supported living; plus a 65-bed care home to be run by Portland-based provider Agincare.
Also proposed are seven family-sized houses, a hotel with up to 80 bedrooms and a waterfront restaurant, and public viewing platform.
There would also be a cycle lane, access for swimmers, and a shower facility - while a commercial unit is also proposed, with the aim of generating local employment.
It comes after previously approved plans for a care village failed to get off the ground after years of delays. The site was later put up for sale and planning permission for the development has since lapsed according to the new landowner.
Mr Dean said a fresh planning application is to be submitted to Dorset Council in around three months' time. Ahead of this, public comments are invited on the draft proposals and will be taken into account ahead of the submission.
The plans can be viewed on a dedicated website - where the developer admits that local councillors have raised concerns over parking and increased traffic. Juno said it is working with Dorset Council's highways and planning teams 'to reach the right balance'.
Comments from the public, however, have all been favourable, director James Dean said.
"So far the plans have been well received," he added. "When I was putting the information board up at the site there was a high level of interest, lots of people stopped to find out more and the response has all been positive.
"We're also inviting public comments via our website, and are all ears - many people have already responded, all in a positive manner, which is great."
Mr Dean emphasised that the current draft proposals are not the final design, and that the developer is keen to take public comments into account.
He also remarked upon the previous proposal for the site - which he believes would not have offered affordable homes for local older people.
Juno anticipates that its facilities would include "quality, affordable and sustainable care provision" - and that care provider Agincare could work in partnership with Dorset Council and Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to provide capacity for public-sector funded care placements.
Commenting on whether homes sold on the private market would be 'affordable,' Mr Dean added: "The scheme will seek to deliver the policy compliant level of affordable housing in accordance with the 2015 West Dorset, Weymouth and Portland Local Plan - although in accordance with criteria set down in the policy, will be subject to viability testing to establish what actual level of affordable housing can be sustained from an economic viability perspective.”
Prior to changing hands, the proposal by New Care Horizons included a care village comprising 195 supported living units, a 60 bed care home, 34 respite hotel suites, medical support facilities, common rooms, leisure facilities and offices, a commercial restaurant, museum, cafe and new promenade, together with improved coastal defence measures, gardens and underground parking.
The 2016 planning approval came with a long list of conditions attached - including requirement for a detailed scheme for cliff stabilisation and protection works; flood prevention measures and conservation, among others.
It succeeded an earlier application by former owners QinetiQ - which, in 2008, was given the green light to build a hotel, shops, restaurants, and business facilities at the site - along with 110 apartments, drinking establishments, and a takeaway. The intention was for the development to be finished in time for the 2012 Olympics.
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READ MORE: Building plan gets the go-ahead
Future residents will be able to enjoy stunning views out to sea - while the new proposal also includes a public viewing platform
- View the draft proposals at www.thepeninsulaweymouth.com
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