Extensive repairs needed to Weymouth's Newtons Cove
It's all so a multi-million redevelopment can go ahead
Extensive works to protect the former Qinetiq site off Newtons Road, Weymouth are being proposed before the multi-million pound redevelopment of the site can start.
Plans are in place for cliff stabilisation and protection works, which will include the partial retention of the existing wall structure; the installation and realignment of a replacement wall and associated works at the base of Newtons Cove Cliff.
The detailed proposals, now with Dorset Council, include a coastal risk management plan and a biodiversity strategy for the site together with ecological impact assessments and a construction management plan.
The only public comment on the proposals, so far, comes from Weymouth Town Council which says: “the Council warmly supports the development, and looks forward to its speedy completion. The development will improve amenity for residents and help unlock the potential of the area.”
Public comments remain open until February 26th although Dorset Council’s highways team has asked for an extension of at least a week to allow it to take specialist advice.
Around 40 buildings of various sizes have already been cleared from the site in preparations for the next rebuilding phase.
The site has seen several planning consent over recent years, with approval originally granted for a redevelopment in August 2016 with a further approval in 2023.
It had once been planned to have the site ready in time for the 2012 Olympic.
The site, at the corner of Portland Harbour, has used by the Ministry of Defence before being taken over by Qinetiq. It currently has permission, for 141 homes, 60-bed care home, gym, a swimming pool and spa and up to 1,200 square metres of office or light industrial space, together with a 340square metre restaurant and public open spaces.
Parking for more than 200 cars will be provided on the former Bincleaves site with space for bicycles as well.
Developers Juno MMXX have had to tackle public concerns about the extra traffic the development could bring to the area with others concerns about the effect on the coastline views and the Portland Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Other issues have included no ‘affordable’ homes on the site with the cheapest flats expected to cost around £250,000 at 2022 prices, now likely to be more.
Local councillor Clare Suttons said at the time of the last planning approval: “Overall, I consider this an over-development of a unique and beautiful location… the inclusion of new conditions relating to the affordable housing contribution, the Underbarn Walk and a bus service would go some way towards mitigating the adverse impacts and reassuring local residents that some net gains would accrue.”
The latest proposals submitted to Dorset Council deal with how the developers plan to stabilise the 25metre cliffs and add sea defence protection, mainly against wave over-topping.
Much of the detail is technical but includes a short wall at the base of the cliff as an added protection against any movement.
Five residential blocks are currently being proposed for the site which, along with other buildings have been scaled back from the last approval – stepping down from six storeys at the north of the site, to four storeys at the breakwater.
The proposed care home and townhouses would be three storeys with a four-storey office/light industrial block in the southern area of the site.
In total 80 of the properties were planned to be three-bed; 42 one-bed with 11 three-bed apartments with 8 three-bed townhouses set apart, although the final figures may still be subject to change.
Councillors heard that once started the development was likely to take three years to complete.
Comments on the proposed stabilisation works remain open to the public until February 26th.