66 new homes agreed for Littlemoor in Weymouth
Concerns have been raised about more pressure being put on schools and GP services
Plans for a 66-home development at Littlemoor have been signed off by Dorset Council.
The development has been talked about for a number of year – with concerns from residents about the loss of the field, a popular walking area.
In 2018 permission from given for 58 homes on the site, south of Louviers Road, with a revised application for 66 homes on behalf of Aster Communities now approved.
The plot, on a rising hill to the north, is on the southeastern side of Littlemoor adjacent to Gentian Way and Cornflower Close and will abut the new Lodmoor Sands development to the west.
The developers say their scheme will include an extensive area of public open space in the centre of the site, linking into another open area on the western edge behind the block of flats.
Financial contributions of more than £50,000 will also be made to the nearby country park.
Residents said, during the consultation, that the extra homes would put increased pressure on schools, the GP surgery and roads. Weymouth town council had lodged an objection with concerns about the loss of green space and increased traffic.
Among the objections were claims that the site had been earmarked for inclusion as part of the Lorton Valley Nature Reserve; the risk to children playing in the area from extra traffic and the loss of privacy for some existing homes because many of the new properties will be built on the hill.
Some raised the risk of additional flooding with concerns about a gas main which runs across the site.
A total of 43 of the homes will be for open market sale, thirteen 2-bed and fifteen each of 3-bed and 4-bed. Sixteen of the properties will be for social housing rental- eight 1-bed; four 2-bed and four 3-bed with another seven earmarked as ‘affordable home ownership’ comprising of two 1-bed; four 2-bed and one 3-bed.
The scheme allows for 114 parking spaces across the site.
Part of the agreement includes a £25,500 payment for habitat management at the nearby Lorton Valley Nature Park and £26,600 for visitor management costs at the Park.