PLANNING ISSUES

 

See below for the regular monthly report of the Society’s

Planning sub-committee.

PLANNING SUB-COMMITTEE NEWS   July 2010

 

PROSPECT INN, FRANCHISE STREET, CHAPELHAY. 

The proposal to demolish the pub and build 24 flats in its place, to which the Society, local people and the Council were all strongly opposed, is now the subject of an appeal against the refusal of planning permission.  Our comments are automatically reported to the Inspectorate, and we shall now await the outcome of this appeal.

 

PROPOSED SUPERMARKET  - CASTLE COURT DEVELOPMENT, PORTLAND.

A very large area of land to the west of Portland Castle received planning permission some time ago for a mix of uses.  There is now a detailed planning application for a supermarket of moderate size at the west end of this site, larger than had been approved.  While not objecting to the use, we have re-stated our view that the building is too close to the road, and added that its materials should be more appropriate and there should be increased landscape planting.

 

NEW LOOK  -  'WEYMOUTH GATEWAY' SITE

The Civic Society was invited, together with members of the public, to look at the plans for the large area of land around the New Look premises.  The proposals include a supermarket, petrol filling station, hotel, New Look office, and employment uses. 

We have written on a number of topics: we expressed concern that the spine road through the site should not have direct access at both ends, otherwise it will become a 'rat-run'; we have strong reservations about the supermarket, in this part of town where there is already adequate provision, in contrast to the west of the town where there is a clear need; we are concerned that the filling station (if permitted) should be more accessible from the Relief Road.   We stressed the need for tree planting and landscaping, which we consider are important to soften the appearance of the buildings in views from the Overcombe/Preston direction to the east of the site; and also the importance of the scale and appearance of the buildings, especially in distant views.  A planning application for the development will be the next stage.

 

HOUSES IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION (HMOs)

In the June News-letter we reported the approval by the Council of a change of use of a guest house in Turton Street to an HMO.  The Society had been opposed to this, considering it out of tune with the intent of seaside town regeneration policies.   The new government now wants to alter legislation so that only in certain designated areas will planning permission be required for HMOs.  Everywhere else the change of use will be permitted.  We have written to the Housing Minister objecting to the proposed alteration - preferring the status quo, which we think simpler and easily understood, and which allows authorities better control. We hope that this issue will also be taken up by Civic Voice, as it has by the Coastal Communities Alliance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PLANS SUB-COMMITTEE NEWS      July/August 2010

 

UPDATE -

37 East Street - Extension to form additional Storey.

The Society had expressed strong reservations as to the design and over-dominance of this proposed extension on a property which abuts the exit of Governors Lane car park.  There were a number of other objections, and the Borough Council has refused the planning application.

Cleaves Cliff, 39 Bowleaze Coveway.

We had objected to a planning application to demolish this house, which we considered to be an important part of the original character of the open cliff-top area, to be replaced by four dwellings in a largely glass-fronted, flat-roofed structure, out of keeping with the character of the area.  This planning application has since been withdrawn by the applicant.

Maiden Street Methodist Church.

As expected, the Council approved the extension of the time limit for construction of a building in the shell of the burnt-out church.  The plans were as before, including a restaurant and 15 residential units, and our Society had re-stated our original comments about the lack of car parking and use of copper as a cladding for all three upper floors and the roof.

 

ESPLANADE LIGHTING SCHEME

Members visited the exhibition on the proposed laser lighting displays.  The project would involve the construction of seven 16 metre high steel columns at intervals along the Esplanade, with laser beams - 'veils of light' - directed towards the Bay, in either green or blue shades.  The long-established necklace of 'fairy lights' would be dismantled, and the Victorian lighting columns on the Esplanade would be moved to Greenhill, replaced with modern light columns like those on the Preston Beach Road.  Special features such as the Jubilee Clock, statues and seafront shelters would be individually illuminated.

The Society has written to the Council stressing the importance of the fine sweep of the Esplanade and Bay, emphasised at night time by the necklace of lights, in the hope that by the use of modern technology it may be possible to replace the old system with lighting  which would continue this linear emphasis.  Commenting on the proposed laser 'veils of light' scheme, we have pointed out how dominant the tall, dark-coloured columns would be in the daytime, and have suggested a lighter shade.  Whatever scheme is chosen, it is important that it should complement the form and quality of the Esplanade, in a comprehensive plan.

 

PROPOSALS FOR BREWERS QUAY

Plans have been on display showing radical proposals for the redevelopment of Brewers Quay, involving a new hotel and some apartments, as well as external additions and re-organisation of the whole interior. As the exhibition took place a short time before the August Plans Sub-Committee meeting, not all members had seen the exhibition, and it has been agreed to defer comment on the proposals until the planning application is submitted, which is expected in a few weeks' time.

 

ASDA PLANS

Following public consultation on the Company's proposals for major works to the ASDA supermarket, a planning application for the scheme has now been submitted to the Borough Council.  This involves creating a whole upper floor within the existing supermarket building - a so-called 'mezzanine' - and constructing a new car deck alongside the supermarket building, resulting in 3 levels of parking.  The Society has objected to the design of the new car deck, which would be clad with high vertical panels and 'architectural mesh', and does not harmonise well with the main building.  We also have fears that the provision for 136 more cars will add to congestion in what is already a heavily trafficked area.

 

FOLDING DOORS ON HISTORIC BUILDINGS

Two recent planning applications have proposed folding doors at street level on Georgian buildings - one a pub near the station, the other a shop in the town centre which it is proposed to change to a restaurant/café.  We considered both to be out of character with the particular historic buildings concerned.