Dorset Council has today, 9th July, approved the following two applications:
• Ringstead’s Creek Caravan Site has been granted an extension to its season. It will now be allowed to open for all but two months of the year – and will have to shut between mid January and mid March. It had asked Dorset Council to allow it to stay open for 11 months, but councillors today decided that the two-month shut down would be better, bringing it into line with other nearby sites.
Several residents had objected to the extension, worried about disturbance, extra traffic and pressure on the local sewage system.
• Eighteen affordable flats on the site of St Nicholas Church, Buxton Rd, Weymouth have been approved unanimously.
Many residents say the block is too large and out of keeping with the conservation area. There were also concerns about parking, traffic movements and overlooking of neighbouring homes. Despite concerns the committee heard that the flats would remain affordable, tied down by a legal agreement, and could not be sold on as second homes. The existing entrance will be moved as part of the scheme to improve safety between a pedestrian crossing and bus stop.
Several councillors said they had found it hard to balance the need for affordable homes and to protect the conservation area.
Creek Caravan Site viewed from Ringstead beach
St Nicholas Church, Buxton Road, Weymouth
