New plans submitted to turn Weymouth church into homes
The idea's already been rejected once, with an appeal turned down
Another attempt is being made to convert a former Weymouth church into six homes.
A previous planning application for the former Wyke Regis Methodist church was turned down by Dorset Council.
A later planning appeal by the developers was 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.
London-based Capital Securities Ltd say there is no room for parking on the site, which only has a limited open area around it, although cycle bays are planned, including two with electric charging points.
At least one new side entrance is proposed with a flat roof rear extension, previously used as a kitchen, likely to be removed because it is in a poor condition.
The building, on Portland Road, next to a recreation ground and opposite local shops, has not been used since September 2021.
Dorset Council accepts that the change of use to housing is acceptable, in principle.
Weymouth Town Council and Weymouth Civic Society added their objections to the first application, echoing the views of residents over parking.
In rejecting the original application, Dorset Council said that although only relatively minor changes were being proposed to the outside of the building the proposed roof lights were unacceptable and that the proposed amenity space for future occupiers was too small and overlooked.
The new planning application, also for four 2-bed flats and two 1-bed flats, make changes to the number and lay-out of proposed roof lights on the southern side of the building, nearest the public park, reducing the number from 22 to eight.
Said a planning agent: “The proposed conversion of a former church into residential flats is regarded as acceptable by the Planning and Highways authorities. The design repurposes an existing period property whilst retaining the architectural features. The current application notes the Planning Authority and Planning Inspectorates decisions and further considers the buildings appearance within the street scene. The result is to introduce a minimal amount of single unit roof lights to the south elevation, in a more sympathetic and congruent way to other similar neighbouring buildings.”
Public comments on the latest application remain open on the Dorset Council website until January 21st.