Former Weymouth church to become six homes - despite objections
Converting Wyke Regis Methodists has been approved by Dorset Council
A second attempt to convert a former Weymouth church into six homes has been successful – despite dozens of objections.
A previous planning application for the conversion of the former Wyke Regis Methodist church was turned down by Dorset Council.
A later planning appeal by the developers was then lost – although the Inspector did not agree with all the Council’s reasons for the initial refusal, notably over the amount of ‘amenity space’ for residents which the Inspector decided would be acceptable.
Dozens of neighbours wrote to Dorset Council at the time of the 2024 application – many worried about the extra cars the conversion would bring to an already congested area.
Weymouth Civic Society, along with many others, maintained its objections to the new application which changed the layout and number of roof lights.
Said the Society in its latest objection to Dorset Council: “We are concerned at the lack of parking proposed for this development. This area of Wyke is already heavily congested, with difficulty in parking in both the residential streets and the main Portland Road.”
One neighbour said: “I really can’t believe that this is even being considered again. Points raised previously have still not been addressed in this application. Lack of parking this is already an issues and most residents of surrounding roads often struggle to get parked close to where they live.”
Weymouth Town Council also maintained its objection on traffic and parking grounds.
But despite the public backlask Dorset Highways raised no objection to the plans saying: “whilst the development proposals make no provision for on-site parking, it is considered to be acceptable due to the site’s location where there are links to local transport, retail, leisure facilities, education and health facilities.”
Changes made from the original design include alterations to windows on the south elevation which had been discussed at the planning appeal.
The proposal is to create four 1-bed and two 2-bed flats within the church main building and adjoining hall to the rear.
A Dorset Council planning case officer, who decided the application, said in a summary that the highways issue was not a point of consideration, either in the initial council decision or at the appeal.
London-based Capital Securities Ltd admit there is no room for parking on the site, which only has a limited open area around it, although cycle bays are to be provided, including two with electric charging points.
The building, on Portland Road, next to a recreation ground and opposite local shops, has not been used since September 2021.
Dorset Council has agreed since the change of use to housing was first suggested that it is acceptable in principle, given no objections to the loss of the church and the need for smaller homes in the area.