A PLAN for more than 30 homes west of Wakeham, Portland has been refused by Dorset Council.

The Betterment Properties proposal had been revised during the consultant process to take into account some of the dozens of objections.

The scheme has been described as the Windmills, Phase 5, a 33-home extension of an existing housing project.

The site is to the south east of the Tesco store with access proposed via Park Road through the first phase of the Windmills development.

Amongst the objectors was Natural England and Dorset Wildlife Trust, concerned about the loss of ‘priority grassland habitat’ and other issues; Portland Town Council which did not want to see further homes outside the development boundary and was also concerned about overlooking and the loss of an important ‘local gap.’

The town council also shared the views of others about the housing mix, mainly of 2-4 bed homes, and the effect on rights of way.

St George’s primary school also lodged an objection, – concerned about road safety with many others saying the site had not been identified for housing in the Portland Neighbourhood Plan.

Many of the views were shared by a Dorset Council planning case officer in a summary report which concluded that the site’s use was mainly unsuitable because it was outside the development boundary and would result in an “unsustainable pattern of development which would be harmful to the environment.”

Said the report’s conclusion: “By reason of the proposed layout, quantum, scale and design the proposal would significantly alter the character and appearance of this part of Wakeham, detract from local landscape character through infilling of the open gap.”

Betterment had promised a number of open spaces as a result of the new homes, both on and off the site, to include a wildlife area. It also pledged to make provision for electric vehicle charging outside each home with 25% of the site allocated as “affordable” housing.

After submitting a series of changes which would have moved some units further away from existing homes and reduced the density in other areas an agent for the company claimed: “The additional housing will make a significant contribution towards the current housing shortfall in Dorset. This will also provide much needed affordable housing in the area.

“The development will also provide local employment as the applicant is a local housebuilder. The additional housing will also help support the local economy providing additional spending in local facilities and services. The site is also sustainable given it is within easy walking distance of local shops, a large supermarket, doctors, dentists, schools and public transport routes.”