AN IMPORTANT local gap between Redlands and Broadwey would be lost if nine homes were allowed to be built – according to some residents and the Weymouth Civic Society.

The comments to Dorset Council come as it considers an application for nine homes on a paddock at the junction of Dorchester Road and Lorton Lane, Weymouth.

The proposal, on land west of the Old Rectory, has been made by developer Malcolm Curtis.

His application to Dorset Council asks for nine detached and semi-detached two storey homes with garaging, parking spaces and road access to the site.

Weymouth Civic Society, in a letter to the council, says its members ‘object strongly’ to the proposal which they say is outside of the development boundary and in an area designated as an ‘Important Local Gap.’ They say the site is particularly necessary as part of the countryside separating the built up area of Redlands from the village of Broadwey.

The society also says it finds the proposed homes fronting Dorchester Road to be ‘overbearing’ given their height and the closeness to the road and say they are also concerned about the new proposed access.

Residents in the area have also written about the gap, some stressing its importance as a wildlife corridor.

Weymouth Town Council has taken a contrary view – its planning committee supporting the development.

In its comment the town council say that although there have been concerns about parking on Lorton Lane it is pleased to see that the proposed development does not appear to add to the problems as there will be direct access to and from Dorchester Road. The town council says it is pleased to see the housing designs being in keeping with the local area.

An agent’s letter for the developer says that the main issue to be considered is the effect of the housing on the landscape – weighed against the area’s shortfall on the government’s minimum 5-year land supply.

A final decision will be made by a Dorset Council planning officer.