CALLS have been made for developers to start transforming town centre eyesore after a three-year hold-up.

Plans for the former Methodist Chapel in Maiden Street, which was destroyed in a major fire in 2002, were billed as ‘a catalyst for regeneration’ in Weymouth after planning permission for the site was secured in 2007.

But the Victorian church, due to be converted to a five-storey apartment block with a restaurant below, still remains untouched.

Dorchester-based developers Project 20 have extended the time limit for planning permission for the site by another three years.

Speaking at a planning meeting, Councillor John Birtwistle said he was fed up with waiting to see a spade in the ground.

He added: “I’m a bit worried that we still haven’t got anything done on this site.

“It’s pretty obvious to anyone visiting this town that it’s there.

“I hope there’s some pressure put on the developers to get on with the job.”

Members of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council’s planning and traffic committee voted to extend planning permission for the development by another three years.

Speaking after the meeting, Coun Birtwistle said: “When people come and see this site they must wonder what’s going on.

“It’s a prime site and it’s very attractive. Every time I walk past it I think it’s a shame that nothing has been done yet.”

A report on the application for the extended time limit describes the Methodist Church, which was destroyed by fire in 2002, as an ‘empty shell’.

It says: “The building now stands as an empty shell supported on the inside by scaffolding.

“The Chapel House was also badly damaged and remains unused with a temporary roof covering.”

An integral part of the plans for the church include restoring its distinctive rose window at a cost of £700,000.

At the time the plans were announced, Project 20 director Malcolm Curtis said: “This is a real opportunity to deliver an attractive and well-designed building which will become a catalyst for regeneration in this area.

“I am confident that this project will assist in the continued revival of Weymouth town centre and I am sure Weymouth’s residents share the same vision.”

When contacted by the Echo, a Project 20 spokeswoman said the company was ‘analysing and discussing’ the plans and did not wish to comment further.

Michael Martin, of the Weymouth Civic Society, said: “We said we had strong reservations about the aspects of the project. “We would prefer not to see it remain derelict ad infinitum.

“We would like to see a sympathetic design.”