AN EXTENSION to a holiday park has been approved, despite local objections that it could damage coastline views and put wildlife at risk.

Waterside Holiday Group can now develop 31 premium, cedar-clad static holiday homes which they say will each be generously spaced apart. A 10-acre ecological area will also be developed in a bid to encourage more wildlife to the site.

An original application was downsized in the light of criticism. Weymouth Town Council was among the initial objectors, but dropped its stance after the scheme was reduced.

More than 90 people have written to Dorset Council in response to the plans – 72 objecting and 20 in support.

A recent objection submitted by Dorset Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) on January 17, said: "CPRE continues to object very strongly to this application to develop Waterside Holiday Park within the setting of the World Heritage Jurassic Coastline.

"It serves great historic and scientific interest and is particularly beautiful. This development of the Waterside Holiday park will cause significant damage.

"There are serious problems with heavy traffic, parking, noise pollution and added dangers to pedestrians. There are also valid concerns to the wildlife in the area.

"I urge you to reject this application."

Waterside Holiday Group has made several changes to its application since its initial submission, following the backlash it received from consultees and local residents.

Changes included a 45 per cent reduction in the number of lodges from 56 to 31. In addition, the company has committed to increasing the size of its ecological area by 6.8 acres, allowing for further enhancement of the local environment.

Since the application was submitted, the park said it has also developed enhanced measures for eco construction, including reduced carbon hard standings which could reach carbon neutral status.

Allen Main, Group General Manager at Waterside Holiday Group commented: “We are looking forward to bringing these plans to life as we create a wholly different development and new area designed to enhance our existing high-quality offering and drive further tourism success for Weymouth.

“We appreciate there may still be questions from the community related to our development, so we will continue engaging with anyone that has an interest as works progress. It remains important to us that we maintain an open dialogue, allowing us to discuss matters in a collaborative way. We encourage anyone with immediate questions to get in touch with us directly.”

A spokesman for Waterside Holiday Park said it will now work closely with Dorset Council to ensure that all pre-commencement works are carried out, with a proposal to begin works this coming winter and a view to completing by Easter 2023.