A developer has unveiled redesigned plans for a major residential and care home scheme at Newton's Cove in Weymouth.

Juno Developments has amended an earlier outline planning application in the hope that proposals for a multi-million pound development at the former QinetiQ Bincleaves site will get the green light in January.

The mixed-use development is to be scaled back, with a reduction in the number of homes being proposed and a reduction to the height of buildings, amongst other changes. 

As reported, the land was bought by Juno in March 2022, when the Poole-based developer unveiled a £70 million proposal for a 65-bed nursing home, 184 apartments; seven homes, an 80-bedroom hotel, plus leisure facilities and a commercial unit generating 15,000 square foot of employment space.

Dorset Echo: The height of some of the proposed buildings will be lowered (Image: Juno Developments)The height of some of the proposed buildings will be lowered (Image: Juno Developments) (Image: Juno Developments)

The initial planning application attracted a raft of public comments - including concerns about the size of the development and additional traffic travelling via Boot Hill and Hope Square.

But now Juno Developments' director says he is "excited" to reveal updated designs in response to feedback from the council, consultees and residents.

The application now comprises up to 141 dwellings, a 60-bed care home and office block, restaurant and leisure facilities including a gym / swimming pool.

In response to traffic concerns the developer said that a reduction in unit numbers and better onsite parking provisions could alleviate the issue.

James Dean, director of Juno Developments said: "We are very excited to release the latest plans for Newtons Cove which have been shaped and informed through the consultation with local residents, councillors and council officers.

"The updated design has resulted in a reduction in height by up to two storeys in places to improve the relationship between the proposals and the cliff, as well as stepping the development down towards the sea to reflect a natural gradient away from cliffs."

Mr Dean said the proposals now include enhanced public realm and pedestrian access throughout the eastern and southern seaward edge of the development, with additional viewing points to provide viewing points back to the cliffs.

A 'gateway' feature into the site is being proposed "to promote a sense of place" - and Mr Dean said that the designs now include plans for affordable housing, as well as improved sea defences following feedback from the Environment Agency.

Dorset Echo: The site is near The Nothe Gardens, Weymouth The site is near The Nothe Gardens, Weymouth (Image: Ellie Maslin, Newsquest)

  • Public comments can be made on Dorset Council's website - to view the application visit Dorset Council's Planning portal, reference: P/OUT/2022/00852

What changes are being proposed for the Weymouth Newton's Cove development?

Documents submitted to Dorset Council list the following changes to Juno Developments' earlier proposal:

 • The overall maximum height parameter for the proposed residential buildings has been reduced.

• The overall maximum height parameter for the proposed employment building has been reduced.

• The overall quantum of development has been reduced.

• The site location plan, showing the site’s red edge has been amended to include the works required to the existing sea defences and highway to facilitate site access.

• The proposed Flood Risk Mitigation Strategy has been updated to reflect further modelling work. As a result, the proposed ground level is proposed to be increased to 5 metres above ordnance datum (AOD), 0.5 metres above promenade level (previously proposed at 4 metres AOD) and the proposed works to the existing sea wall and rock revetment have been updated.

Dorset Echo: Artist impression of the proposed scheme (Image: Juno Developments)Artist impression of the proposed scheme (Image: Juno Developments) (Image: Juno Developments)

What has been proposed before?

Juno's planning application comes after previously approved plans for a care village in 2016 failed to get off the ground, after years of delays. 

Those plans succeeded an earlier application by former landowners QinetiQ. In 2008 QinetiQ was given the green light to build a hotel, shops, restaurants, and business facilities at the site.

The intention was for the development to be finished in time for the 2012 Olympics.