Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter
Plans to relax dog restrictions on Weymouth’s main beach have been scrapped.
Dorset Council had considered allowing dogs on leads between 6pm and 6am during the summer season, but the proposal was dropped following concerns raised by Weymouth Town Council.
The current ban, which runs from May 1 to September 30, will remain in place under the renewed public spaces protection order taking effect from January 1, 2027, with the exception of the designated dog area near the Pavilion.
Matt Bell, portfolio holder for public health and communities, said he had considered the recommendation alongside the consultation evidence and the views of Weymouth Town Council. He said he did not believe there was a strong evidential or operational case for making the change at this stage.
The decision follows a 12-week consultation that attracted more than 5,000 responses.
While Dorset Council officers had recommended keeping the existing rules, the place and overview committee had suggested allowing overnight access for dogs during the summer months.
Public questions at a recent meeting focused on the potential impact of relaxing the ban, with concerns raised about public health, the resort’s reputation, and Weymouth’s efforts to regain Blue Flag status.
Weymouth Town Council also objected, citing the availability of a year-round dog exercise area at the Pavilion end of the beach.
Linda Stevenson said the town council had formally resolved to oppose the proposed change at a meeting on October 28.
Councillor Bell said the committee’s recommendation was based on increasing provision for dog walkers and arguments that increased access could benefit the local economy.
He also emphasised the importance of owners picking up after their dogs and voiced support for the town council’s Blue Flag ambitions.
Weymouth Town Council’s position was that, once a perceived bias in the consultation responses was corrected, 67 per cent opposed relaxing the ban.
Ben Wilson, who supported keeping the current rules, said it was a fair reflection of the consultation results, despite calls from dog owners for more relaxed restrictions.
Councillor Ryan Hope asked that overnight access for dogs be included as an option in the next consultation.
The current rules will continue to exempt assistance dogs, and the designated dog exercise area will remain open year-round.
