A NEW stadium for Weymouth FC is in doubt after a plan for up to 170 new homes on the club’s existing grounds was kicked out.

Residents who objected to the plans said they are ‘delighted’ the redevelopment scheme has been turned down before going in front of a planning committee.

However, developers Wessex Delivery LLP, which acquired the land surrounding the Bob Lucas stadium for £500,000 in 2008, say they remain ‘committed to seeing the project through to fruition’ and will appeal the decision.

West Dorset District Council officers refused the redevelopment scheme for the land at the Terras’ current home in Chickerell because it goes against local planning policies, they said.

A separate but linked application to provide a new home for the football club near Lodmoor tip in Weymouth – a plan which has proved controversial due to its location and possible effect on Sea Life Centre operations – has yet to be considered by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.

Southill resident Trevor Andrews, of Field Barn Drive, objected to the redevelopment scheme for the football stadium, training pitch and car park off Radipole Lane.

He said he was ‘delighted’ to hear it had been thrown out.

Mr Andrews said: “The fact that there are sports fields in this area is sensible planning and to place houses in the middle of that is wrong.

“With the Olympic legacy we are meant to have in this area it would be sad to lose some of our sports areas.

“I think the council has a good policy and they’ve stuck by that.”

Southill resident David Harris, also a Dorset county councillor, said he was pleased to hear that the green space between Southill and Chickerell is being maintained.

“I’m generally pleased for the decision to maintain it and keep the status quo,” he said.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Councillor Christine James, who represents Southill, said the decision is a ‘good victory’ for the area.

Weymouth FC director Shaun Hennessey said news of the refusal comes as ‘no surprise’ to the club.

He said: “The refusal comes as no surprise whatsoever. We as a football club are very happy with our stadium.

“The two applications are linked together and I cannot see the point of one without the other.”

l IN the document detailing reasons for refusal, planning officers say the authority has a ‘robust’ five year plan for housing.

It says the site is unsuitable for housing because it would ‘force its residents to make car-borne journeys’.

Another reason for refusal is that the application proposes the permanent loss of playing fields with no firm provision for any alternative.