Councillors are urging a housing association to ‘get on with it’ after the controversial redevelopment was turned down – but residents ‘would rather look at a pile of rubble.’

As reported by the Echo, Marchesi House, off Radipole Lane, was demolished after its elderly residents were forced to move out so that the site could be replaced with social housing.

However, work was halted due to a significant increase in the cost of building material and labour, as the main contractor was unable to deliver the scheme at the agreed price.

Bournemouth Churches Housing Association (BCHA) which owns the land then worked alongside local building company CG Fry and Son to propose the new development which was subsequently turned down at a planning meeting.

Dorset Council said that a block of flats would be overbearing, some homes are very small and one unit was said to have “a dark, cramped and uninviting rear garden, with a poor outlook.”

Some Southill residents have agreed saying that they 'would rather look at the pile of rubble than any proposed three-storey flats which are uncharacteristic and overbearing to Southill."

Dorset and Weymouth Town Councillor, Cllr Louise Bown of the Radipole Ward said: “It’s a real shame that BCHA and the council officers couldn’t see eye to eye, but I believe that BCHA will appeal or reapply. I’m sure they can make it work if they work together.

It would benefit the people of Southill who are looking forward to getting rid of that pile of rubble and it would benefit the wider community in need of affordable housing.”

Weymouth Town Councillor David Harris of the Radipole Ward said: “The sign says it all. It’s been a construction site for some time and they had already received planning permission for a bigger development.

Cllr Harris added: “They need to sort out the things that need doing and get on with it.”

Lorraine Maealings, CEO of BCHA said: “We are deeply disappointed by the council’s decision to refuse our most recent application for the 26 affordable homes we had proposed to build in Weymouth.

“This project represents years of dedicated time, financial investment and effort, and we are fully committed to developing the site to meet the pressing need for affordable housing in our community and create a positive scheme in the local neighbourhood.

“This decision is particularly disheartening, as it means that many people in the community in need of housing will have to wait a significant period of time until the site is complete.

“Despite this setback, we remain determined to work with the council and all stakeholders to find ways forward.”

According to BCHA, ‘It is too early to know what those options will be at this stage.’