PORTLAND Town Council has called for a masterplan to guide future developments at Southwell Business Park.

It says Dorset Council should draw up proposals for the area after what it describes as ‘ad-hoc’ building which is likely to lead to an increase in traffic.

The comments came as the town council objected to a proposal from Compass Point Estates to convert a former gatehouse at West Way into a small, single bedroom home – which Dorset planners decided could go ahead under ‘prior approval’ regulations.

The building is on the approach to the Atlantic Academy site and was previously used for security although has more recently been used as an office.

Said the town council: “As Southwell Business Park comprises business units, residential units and a school, Portland Town Council requests that the Planning Authority provide a master plan for future developments within this area.”

The application to Dorset Council said that the Gatehouse, currently vacant has an arranged parking space nearby. The company denies there will be any extra traffic generated by the change of use, with council highways officers making no objection.

The application details can be seen in full on the Dorset Council website, using the reference provided, along with other applications which have decided in the Portland and Weymouth area by Dorset Council.

(Pic, if needed of the property – Google. Also available drawing of the proposed layout) P/PACD/2024/03174 : 2 West Way Southwell Business Park Portland DT5 2NS. Change of use of former Gatehouse from Use Class E to 1 No. dwelling. Prior Approval Granted.