PLANS to build new houses in Chiswell on Portland are raising a number of concerns among authorities and nearby residents.

Canford Estates Limited has submitted a planning application to build 11 new houses on land at the rear of Brandy Row.

The application includes the demolition of existing industrial accommodation and one residential conversion of an existing building.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council’s planning and traffic committee was due to meet today to discuss the application.

Planning Officer Joanne Langrish has recommended the committee reject the application.

In her report, Ms Langrish argues the proposed development would ‘lack any form of sympathetic cohesion with the surrounding properties’ and the wider conservation area.

She also states the proposal would be contrary to a policy of the Weymouth and Portland Local Plan 2005.

In comments attached to the application, residents have raised concerns about flood risk, lack of adequate parking facilities, and the visual impact of the development.

The application has received 51 letters of objection, which includes a 62-signature petition.

Councillor Ray Nowak, who represents the Tophill West ward for Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and is brief holder for housing, said he didn’t support the development.

Cllr Nowak said: “I think it’s an overdevelopment. It’s not taking into account the visible impact.

“It is getting rid of a Portland stone building which I think is seriously regrettable. It could have been adapted for housing.”

He added: “I think it’s a very sensitive site and for lots and lots of reasons I hope the planning committee turn it down.”

Residents have held private meetings to discuss the plans, with each meeting seeing as many as 40 people attend.

In a design and access statement submitted as part of the application, Canford Estates Limited said: “The proposals would appear to represent a more effective and appropriate use of the site, introducing enhancement of the present situation, and without adverse impact upon adjoining development character or neighbouring privacy and amenity considerations.”

In addition the statement said: “The main block has been carefully considered to avoid any significant upstanding elevation against Cove Cottages, aspects from which are all safeguarded, and any slight intrusion limited to the roof ridges.”