PLANS for a major new residential development at Newtons Cove in Weymouth have been met by concern as residents say it will exacerbate traffic problems on one of the town's most congested roads.
As reported, Juno Developments, purchased the former QinetiQ Bincleaves site in March 2021. The developer hopes to deliver 'a high quality development which capitalises on the unique location and character of the site which was once the former QinetiQ Bincleaves site'.
It has recently submitted a formal request for outline planning permission to Dorset Council after unveiling plans for a care home, apartments and industrial space last year.
But objectors claim it will have a detrimental impact on traffic and the health of people living near congested Boot Hill - which already has pollution levels exceeding World Health Organisation safe limits.
The proposed development comprises up to 189 homes; a 65 bed care home, gym, swimming pool / spa, restaurant, and up to 1,509 square metres of office /light industrial floorspace, along with car parking, public open space, public realm, cliff stabilisation and sea defence works, with vehicular and pedestrian access from Newton’s Road, and associated infrastructure. There are no 'affordable' homes included within the plan.
Traffic to the site, would either travel via Hope Square or via Boot Hill/Rodwell Avenue, and Juno Developments expects construction to start early 2023, lasting around two years, if the plans are approved.
A traffic assessment commissioned by the developer states there will only be a 'temporary slight adverse impact' on road users, and that there will not be a significant impact on local roads after construction is finished.
But Dorset councillor for Rodwell and Wyke Clare Sutton said that at first glance, she is "very concerned" about the scale of the proposed development and the pressure it would put on "already over-strained local roads, particularly Boot Hill" - adding that the impact on air pollution and congestion must be considered "extremely carefully."
"In particular, if the Portland waste incinerator gets the go-ahead, which I very much hope it won’t, that would mean an additional 80 large heavy goods vehicles along the A354 every day," she said. "The impact on local residents, our tourist industry and public health should be at the heart of decision-making on proposals like these.”
Current pollution levels on Boot Hill are already making life a misery for resident Amy Cantwell, who says it is "completely unrealistic" to suggest a development of this size will not have a significant impact on existing traffic jams, fumes and noise.
"Dorset Council has paid lip service to the current problem with an optional diversion route to encourage lorry drivers to travel to Portland via Lanehouse," she said. "But nothing has changed. Living here is a health hazard. Given the ongoing problems with traffic along this route, it is unthinkable for a development of this size to be considered in such an unsuitable location."
Another resident, Matthew Smith, claimed the developer's traffic assessment is "simply wrong". He says the route is at best congested during peak times in winter - and at worst severely congested at almost all times during the summer, and is "heavily used by pedestrians and cyclists who would be severely impacted" by the plan.
READ MORE:
- Urgent call for action on polluted Weymouth street over twice safe guidelines
- 'A lot of lives at risk all of the time:' Call for action over Boot Hill pollution
- Nitrogen levels on Boot Hill among highest in Dorset
However Chickerell resident Luke Brain welcomes the inclusion of leisure provisions on the former Bincleaves site and is glad that an area "which has always looked a little bit drab" will at last be appreciated.
"I like the fact it will offer somewhere to grab food or a drink while walking around the area," he said.
The application was tentatively welcomed by town councillor for Weymouth East cllr Luke Wakeling, who is pleased to see fresh hopes for the brownfield site. But he still has reservations over lack of parking and affordable homes, and believes there is a strong likelihood the properties will become second homes. "I hope through the planning process residents can express their views and be listened to," he said.
Dorset Council's adult care commissioning team has lodged an objection to the proposed care home as there is already an excess supply in Weymouth. They have concerns over older people moving from elsewhere who later rely on the cash-strapped local authority for financial support. In 2020/21 Dorset Council spent approximately £2.2 million on residential care for people whose funding had run out.
Public comments can be made on the planning application until March 29 2022.
To do so visit Dorset Council's Planning portal, reference: P/OUT/2022/00852
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel