Objections over Haven's plans for outdoor stage at Weymouth Bay
They have their licence, now they need planning
A flood of objections has been received over proposals for an outdoor stage, bar and other new activity areas at the Haven Weymouth Bay holiday site at Preston.
Some residents are complaining that on-going disturbances from all three holiday sites in the area has become too much to bear.
Many of the objections were only lodged with Dorset Council after news stories about a new licensing application for part of the site which attracted around 160 objectors and led to criticism of the company for not consulting all neighbours.
Dorset councillors agreed the licence although with fewer hours than the company had requested and subject to the use of noise limiting equipment.
Planning officers are now considering whether a mini aerial adventure and jump tower should be allowed on the site, together with the outdoor stage, container bar and bike storage area. The total investment was said at the licensing hearing to amount to £1million.
Among the 40-plus letters to Dorset Council about the planning proposals for the Preston Road site is one from Heritage England which says they have not been provided with a heritage statement and say there could be ‘harm’ to the setting of the nearby Preston Roman Villa.
“The proposed area is currently green open space so there is potential for harm from development within the setting of a nationally significant asset,” said a statement to the council.
Concerns have also come from the Environment Agency which has asked for additional information after initially saying the application could be considered ‘inappropriate’ for the area.
Weymouth town council has raised no objection to the plans although around forty residents have written to Dorset Council, which will decided the application, with concerns about the siting of the stage, bar and other activities close to their homes.
Said one Fisherbridge Road resident: “I have endured ‘normal’ holiday noise from the park for nearly 25 years. It has got worse over the years but that’s the price we pay for living in a resort. However, I do think that this is a step too far.”
Others were critical of the lack of consultation with many claiming they were not made aware of the application by either the council or the company.
Said a couple from Sandbourne Road: “The holiday park is in the middle of a residential area, home to hundreds if not thousands of people, including many elderly. Noise pollution caused by amplified sound, light pollution caused by whatever means is used to light the stage, would seriously impact on the comfort and wellbeing of those who live close by, who will be prohibited from enjoying the peace and quiet of their own gardens. The holiday park has these facilities already indoors and that is where they should stay.”
Weymouth Civic Society added its voice to the objections, telling the council: “We are concerned at the potential for noise problems which could result, especially from the use of the proposed outdoor stage in the light of its proximity to neighbouring houses in Preston.”
Others said the accumulated disturbance from the three holiday sites in the area was becoming too much for many the bear and any future development should not be allowed.
The application is due to be decided by the Dorset Council planning officers unless ward councillors, Cllr Louie O’Leary and Cllr Tony Ferrari, can persuade the council that the application must come before the area planning committee for a decision.