Betterment Properties unveils new homes plan at Symonds Close Weymouth

Betterment Properties has submitted a planning application to build two two-bedroomed detached homes on land adjacent to 35 and 44 Symonds Close.

The land is owned by the developer, having been left over from previous development when the estate was built in the early 1990s. Betterment says the land is now considered to have possible development potential, because Dorset is required to meet Government housing targets.

"Due to this there is now, we understand, a requirement to add a further approvals of planning permissions to make inroads into the increasing shortfall on delivery," a spokesman for the company has said.

The proposed new homes would have off-street parking for two vehicles per house, plans show, and would be built of cavity brick walls, together with UPVC windows and tiled roofs, with permeable block paved parking.

New homes are planned for green space left when the estate was built in the 1990s

The developer states the area is in a low flood-risk zone. However concerns have been raised by a nearby resident who is also worried a public footpath across the land could be closed off, as well as the impact upon wildlife.

Fears for habitat

The resident, who lives at Symonds Close, said: "I would like reassurance that the pathway through to Lodmoor county park from Symonds close leading past the rugby pitch will remain accessible as a public footpath and not be closed off if the planned buildings are erected.

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"My family and many others enjoy use the pathway daily to walk to the beach, Preston and to the nature reserve.

"As there is a waterway so very close to that piece of land, I have concerns about the impact on the wildlife there.

"This summer we have seen damsel/dragonflies (which are reported to have been in decline) squirrels, and many birds including ducks and goldfinches there.

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"Is there not a risk of flooding to any new homes as well as our own if that area is disturbed? Also I believe that our sewage system lies beneath that area."

No other comments or objections have been registered against the application at the time of writing.

Comments can be submitted until October 25 via Dorset Council's website: planning.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk using the reference number P/FUL/2021/03699