133 homes and mixed uses at Land At Newton's Road, Weymouth

“Description of development 5.1 This reserved matters application (RMA) seeks approval of appearance and landscape following the grant of outline planning permission in March 2024. The outline planning permission comprises a mixed use development of up to 141 dwellings (Use Class C3) and 60 bed care home (Use Class C2), with up to 340 sqm associated leisure floorspace comprising gym, swimming pool / spa (Sui Generis); up to 1,186 sqm office /light industrial floorspace…”

“The site is approximately 4.78 hectares in size. It is located south east of Weymouth Town Centre on the former QinetiQ’s employment site at Bincleaves Cove. The site is allocated (Policy WEY9 ‘Bincleaves Cove’) for either employment development or a comprehensive mixed use development in the adopted West Dorset, Weymouth and Portland Local Plan (2015).”

“The site is protected by substantial rock armour sea defences along its north eastern and south eastern frontages extending from the adjoining breakwater. The breakwater comprises Portland stone blocks piled onto the seabed, concrete revetments and rubble infill. Access to the Grade II listed breakwater is gained through the site. The northern part of the site provides the sole vehicle and pedestrian access to the site.”

“Summary of recommendation: Grant subject to the planning conditions detailed at Section 15 of this report.”

“Key planning issues Issue Conclusion Principle of development Established by the outline planning permission. Appearance Acceptable. Landscaping Acceptable. Heritage impacts The proposals would cause no harm to the significance of heritage assets. Highways Acceptable. Flood risk Acceptable.”

“Environment Agency The Environment Agency initially objected to the proposed inclusion of a basement car park serving the care home. Following the applicant’s submission of further information, the Environment Agency has no objection subject to conditions in respect of finished floor levels and vehicle entrance thresholds. Historic England Confirm Historic England is not offering advice on the proposals.”

“The scale, mass and positioning of buildings reflects the purpose of the buildings and the quantum of development optimises the potential of the site by making efficient use of land. The choice of external materials has been informed by pre-application engagement with the council.”

“However, it should be noted that given the nature of the care home facility (condition 7 of the outline application) regard must be given to staff shift patterns and visiting hours, which the Local Planning Authority may need to consider, possible solutions may be found in the car parking management strategy. Adult social care – No comments received. Asset & Property – No comments received.”

“Libraries – No comments received. Licensing – No comments received. Natural Environment Team – No comments received. Public Health Dorset Public Health Dorset has no objection, but raises a series of comments in relation to: the lack of affordable housing, lifetime needs of residents, drying areas, EV charging infrastructure, solar panels and play space. Rights of Way Officer – No comments received.”

“Decision: That the application be granted subject to the following conditions: The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: 9464/200 Site Location Plan 9464/201 Rev L Proposed Site Plan - Lower Half 9464/202 Rev K Proposed Site Plan - Upper Half 9464/203 Rev H Block 1 - Proposed Floor Plans - Sheet 1 9464/204 Rev F Block 1 - Proposed Floor Plan - Sheet 2 9464/205 Rev F Block 1 - Proposed Elevations 9464/206 Rev G…”

“Informative: National Planning Policy Framework Statement In accordance with paragraph 39 of the NPPF the council, as local planning authority, takes a positive approach to development proposals and is focused on providing sustainable development.”