Enhancement plans for Weymouth's Custom House Quay put on hold
Dorset Council has deferred a report and says it wants more time to reflect on the issues raised in a public consultation
Dorset Council say the need more time to look at proposals to enhance Custom House Quay in Weymouth.
A decision on the final road layout was due to be made next week (30 September) but that's now been put on hold.
The plans including a cycle lane and the removal of parking spaces.
The proposals in full involve:
Creation of a restricted parking zone between St Mary Street and a point to the east of South Parade
Installing an on-road cycle lane between St Mary Street and The Esplanade, with an easterly flow
Introducing four new loading bays on Custom House Quay and one in Maiden Street, plus retaining the large loading bay by fish loading platform
Installing a disabled bay (two spaces) near fish loading platform
Removal of eleven parking spaces on Custom House Quay to the west of Pilgrims Way
Removal of one parking space on the corner of Custom House Quay junction with the Esplanade
Dorset Council has given notice that it wishes to defer the report on the Custom House Quay public realm enhancement proposals until a future meeting of the Western and Southern Area Planning Committee.
That means the Committee will NOT consider or debate item 5 on the agenda, nor will any decision be taken, at the meeting on Thursday 30 September 2021.
Cllr Ray Bryan, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment at Dorset Council, said:
“On one of my regular visits to Weymouth last week, and again yesterday, and having spoken with local people and other interested parties, I’ve had time to reflect on the planning report regarding public realm enhancements at Custom House Quay, especially considering feedback from both our survey and formal consultation. As a result, I have asked that the report be deferred from next week’s Western and Southern Area Planning Committee meeting.
"In short, Dorset Council is listening to Weymouth residents, councillors and businesses, and it is clear that there are still concerns to be addressed. I will work closely with Highways officers and key stakeholders to review the recommendations, potentially make changes, and bring the report back to committee in the near future. In the meantime, the imminent works at Custom House Quay are outside of the scope of the deferred report so they should proceed as planned from early October.”
Councillor Ray Bryan says they're listening to Weymouth businesses and residents and its clear some concerns still need to be addressed - which may involve making changes to the proposals.
Work on resurfacing the road around Custom House Quay will still go ahead as planned in October - so drivers can still expect road closures.