RESIDENTS have had mixed reactions to a planning application seeking to prepare Nothe Gardens in Weymouth as a ticketed spectator area for the 2012 Olympics.

The London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG) has submitted documents to Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, specifying the temporary facilities and structures required during the 2012 Olympic Sailing competition next summer.

Up to 4,600 spectators are expected to descend on the site from 12pm to 6pm daily from July 29 to August 11 2012, according to LOCOG.

People will be required to pay to enter the gardens with prices starting at £20 per adult per day but with concessions for under-16s and the over 60s.

The ‘temporary overlay’ required for a third-party operator to accommodate the first-ever Olympic sailing ticket-holders include temporary toilets, perimeter fencing, marquees and tents for catering, vehicle and pedestrian screening and other operational areas.

Structures would be installed at the gardens from July 10 - July 25 2012 and removed immediately after the events.

During the installation, the majority of the site will remain open to the public but some areas may be fenced off for health and safety reasons.

The gardens would be closed to the general public between July 25 and August 12 2012.

The application follows public drop-in sessions for residents in March.

It specifies the long-term improvements LOCOG would undertake ahead of the Games to upgrade the gardens’ existing public toilets and footpaths.

Nothe resident Charlie James, 53, is concerned lorries used to transport the temporary structures and facilities to the site will damage properties and cars in Horsford Street.

She said: “We’ve had ongoing problems for years with over-sized lorries coming up and damaging properties and knocking down walls. It’s a big issue for us.

“I’m totally in favour of the Olympics and think it’s a huge benefit to the borough.

“I’ve applied for three tickets on two different days – the opening ceremony because it’s on our doorstep and also the medal event so we can support the local sailors, it’s cost about £300 in total.

“But I still would like to know what size vehicle is coming up here.

“I raised this issue at a public meeting and council chief executive David Clarke promised to contact me about the issue but never has done.”

Southill resident Ian Brooke, 68, who is also a volunteer at Nothe Fort, said: “My view is that LOCOG should go away.

“The Nothe peninsula is probably the best viewpoint in the area and LOCOG want to come in here and make money for themselves.

“They also want the fort and to pay nothing for it, then Prestige Ticketing will charge people £700 per person for hospitality packages.”

Terry Landsbert, chairman of Weymouth Civic Society, said talks with LOCOG were still under way to determine the use of Nothe Fort during the 2012 sailing events.

The proposal for Nothe Gardens aims to create an informal spectator environment with a large screen relaying the action with people sitting or standing on the grass banks that create a natural amphitheatre overlooking the medal course.

Spectators will be free to bring their own portable chairs and picnic rugs. For more information, visit www.london2012.com/weymouthandportlandconsultation