by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
Concerns have been raised over proposals for a new bandstand on Weymouth seafront.
The town’s Civic Society, say while welcoming the idea, they fear it could attract anti-social behaviour and say the structure would not be big enough for a full band – questioning how much it will be used.
The Society say there is already a lot of ‘clutter’ along the Esplanade and suggest that rather than siting the bandstand near the American war memorial, as proposed, it should be moved further north to the area where the pedalos were.
But not everyone has reservations. In comments to Dorset Council, which will decide the planning application, many have said they welcome the town council proposal for the structure.
Said Tolpuddle resident Marion Fisher: “Weymouth is a very traditional seaside town and the only thing missing from that is a bandstand. This would be a huge benefit to the Esplanade throughout the year but particularly in the summer, so many local bands and performing groups would utilise it, along with visiting bands that do tours of the south coast. It would also be a good facility for revenue income for the Town Council through performances and wedding ceremonies. Yes please, let’s have a bandstand.”
Not all public comments are positive : Said a Dorchester Road resident, Joseph Smith, after a moan about other council decisions: “Totally disgusted you are thinking of something so stupid in the present climate. Try spending the money on rescuing Greenhill Gardens as it slides into the sea slowly first.”
Karen James from Lennox Street is also concerned about possible anti-social behaviour, telling Dorset Council “We have a functioning and well used bandstand at Greenhill Gardens, we have live music on the beach by The Boat. We do not need an additional area offering what we have already. This is a waste of council money.”
Weymouth Town Council say the new bandstand will continue a history of music by the sea, the town having several bandstands in its history from Victorian times.
To put the structure in place would mean a slight extension to the promenade to provide a firm, level base for the wooden decking, metal structure and glass reinforced plastic roof.
Said the town council is its application for planning consent:
“The Bandstand would provide an attractive location to accommodate music and theatre performances and a venue for wedding ceremonies. Access to the beach would be available from the bandstand, if required, via a removable section of railings and temporary steps.”
The construction would be in metal with the detailing of the columns and metal work matching the existing railings and the Victorian shelters on the Esplanade. The roof would be clad in grey GRP to give the appearance of traditional lead with a metal finial to match the fret work.
The decking area would be less than 25 sq m finished in timber, supported on a metal frame with surfacing similar to that used for the decking at The Boat and The View cafes on The Esplanade.
