SIX homes could be created from a redundant Wyke Regis church - although the proposal is proving controversial.

The former Methodist centre on Portland Road, next to the park, has not been used since September 2021.

A planning application for the conversion has been submitted by London-based Capital Securities Ltd with a Bournemouth-based architect behind the design work.

The proposal has already led to thirty letters to Dorset Council, mainly of objection.

No parking spaces are being proposed for the site, which only has a limited open area around it, although eight secure cycle bays are being incorporated into the scheme, two with a charging point.

Externally the building is likely to look much as it does now although a letter with the application says that the roofs may need to be re-slated and some facing brickwork replaced with at least one new side entrance being created to the north side. A flat roof rear extension, which was a kitchen dating back to the 1970s, is likely to be removed because it is in a poor condition.

Internally new walls and other changes will be made to create six one and two-bed flats.

The application had led to some local objections mainly from residents in Victoria Road and Williams Avenue who claim the additional homes will only add to existing parking problems in the area.

Said one :” As a resident of Victoria Road I am objecting to this development due to the parking issues it will bring. Parking is always a premium and I believe that this is due to increase in previous businesses being converted into flats. I do not think for one minute that all the purchasers of these flats will only have bicycles! I am aware that there are concerns around access down our road already and this development will only add to it.”

Weymouth Town Council and Weymouth Civic Society have added their voice to the objections, echoing the views of residents who are worried about parking.

Public comments on the proposals remain open until December 19th – ref 2023/06652.

* For a full round-up of the latest planning applications visit https://publicnoticeportal.uk/dorset-echo