A NEW housing development could bring 176 homes to Weymouth.
A planning application for the edge of Littlemoor is being welcomed by young families and others desperate for new homes.
However, it is also triggering fears that schools, medical practices, roads and buses would be overstretched.
Developers FH Cummings say new homes on Destiny Fields would replace the agricultural land to create a ‘green corridor’ where residents will have space to walk alongside the stream and wildlife will thrive.
Among those in support is resident Terry Wells at neighbouring Honeysuckle Close who wants more families to have the chance to move there like his did a year ago.
He said: “Weymouth’s a brilliant place to live and this gives more people the opportunity to experience that.”
Postman Darren Hawdon was on the waiting list for a council house for seven years for his family.
He said: “People say they don’t want more houses but the population’s growing and they’ve got to go somewhere.
“You’ve only got to look at the waiting list for council housing and the amount of people still living at home is unbelievable.
“Years ago when you were 25 you were gone but I’ve got friends who are 35 and 36 and still at home with parents.”
Other residents have been shocked at the size of the plans and believe the infrastructure is not ready.
Malcolm Beeson, who lives in nearby Primula Close, said: “The planners should declare how the additional 176 houses in this area will be catered for in local schools, doctors’ surgeries and dental provision.
“Is the estate’s road access on to Louviers Road adequate to cope with a possible 300 additional cars and will local buses be able to carry the additional passengers at peak times?”
The developer’s latest development was Holzwickede Court in Louviers Road.
The developers say that if their new application is successful their aim is to complete the scheme by building houses on Wyke Oliver Farm and a new public park on Wyke Oliver Hill between the farm and Destiny Fields.
Dave Franks, 46, of Honeysuckle Close, Weymouth, said he has been pleased with changes the developer has made after he complained that some homes would be close to the back of his garden.
He said: “I’m still objecting to the plans – I think it’s too many properties built in that small area and it’s used by wildlife as we see deer at the back of our house.
“We appreciate there’s a need for new homes but it needs to be proportionate.” Mr Franks fears the capacity of nearby Bincombe Valley Primary School and St Andrew’s School would be stretched. Thomas Thomas, 67, of Honeysuckle Close, was shocked and angry at the size of the development so close to his home.
“It’s absolutely ridiculous. They are cramming these houses in.”
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