PLANS to build new houses in Chiswell on Portland have been rejected.

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

A large number of residents attended the borough council’s planning and traffic committee on Wednesday to speak against the plans. The application received 51 letters of objection, which includes a 62-signature petition.

Residents raised concerns about flood risk, lack of adequate parking facilities and the visual impact of the development.

Roger Wild, a resident at Cove Cottages, told the committee the scheme was ‘ill-considered’.

He said: “The proposed development is not respectful of Chiswell’s past. It is not sustainable in the future.”

As part of its initial application, Canford Estates Limited said the proposals represented a more effective and appropriate use of the site as part of its design and access statement.

Councillor Sandy West, a committee member, said she was against the proposals. “Let’s see a design of house that actually fits in with Portland’s uniqueness.

“I’m at a loss. Was the architect wearing sunglasses when he did it?”

The committee agreed that there were a number of issues with the proposals, which led to a majority vote against the plans.