PROPOSALS to increase the number of homeless accommodation pods at Weymouth's park and ride site have been lodged along with changes to the layout of the site.

As reported, The Bus Shelter is moving from the Beach Car Park at Lodmoor, where it has been based since 2018, to an unused section of the Mount Pleasant park and ride site. Dorset Council has agreed a temporary lease of the land until the end of January 2028.

A planning application was approved in February this year for three units housing a total of up to 12 people, in a bid to alleviate the town's homelessness problems.

Now, The Bus Shelter is seeking approval for a revision to those plans - which will see the same number of people being accommodated across six smaller units, instead of three.

Dorset Echo: Much effort has been put into preparation to receive the pods and having the appropriate services in place ready to hook them upMuch effort has been put into preparation to receive the pods and having the appropriate services in place ready to hook them up

The six 7.3 metre units would be roughly half the size of those originally proposed, making them much cheaper and easier to transport and install on site, the charity says. Each unit will comprise two individual accommodation pods - whereas the original plan was for three 14.6 metre units containing four pods each.

The revised proposals also include a translucent veranda outside each of the units, along with revisions to the communal areas.

"Experience by Bus Shelter Dorset staff during occupation of shared accommodation has shown the benefits of a combined lounge and kitchen area," a spokesman for the charity said.

As a result, The Bus Shelter hopes to create a central 12.2 metre by 6 metre combined kitchen and social area, with a covered outside veranda. Previously, the plans were for separate kitchen and communal areas.

Dorset Echo: Weymouth park and ride, where the accommodation will be basedWeymouth park and ride, where the accommodation will be based

Meanwhile, the layout of the entire site could be turned 90 degrees "to reduce the effects of of the prevailing westerly wind."

The new park and ride accommodation is being made possible through a collaboration with Dorset Council, including leasing the land and securing funding. It is hoped that further funding can now be secured for four micro studio flats.

The Bus Shelter Dorset is always looking for help and support of all kinds via its Facebook page The Bus Shelter Dorset or by emailing thebusshelterdorset@gmail.com

The charity has a Just Giving page for those who wish to donate a one off or a regular sum.