FRESH calls are being made to protect a Weymouth route that has been identified for a bypass to boost the local economy.

Calls are being made ahead of a meeting when borough councillors will decide whether to allow a new housing development on the site of the Ferrybridge Inn at Wyke Regis.

There is major opposition to the plans but mainly from those who want to see the pub retained as a community asset.

However, development would effectively stop any chances of the Western Route being laid between Ferrybridge and Chickerell, bypassing congested Wyke Regis.

It has been described as the ‘missing link’ in a road network that includes the Chickerell Link Road and Weymouth Relief Road.

The Western Route is environmentally sensitive due to its proximity to the Fleet and the road project is not contained in any current development plans – but there are calls for the route to be safeguarded for the future, particularly as a key to Portland’s prosperity.

It comes amid a cruise ship boom for Portland Port and plans for high profile tourist attractions Jurassica and MEMO, which are expected to attract thousands of visitors to the island.

Portland Port is calling for the ‘strategic’ Western Route to be safeguarded, especially as it claims there are ‘no viable solutions being proposed’.

It says there should be a proper assessment of the route.

In a letter to the borough council, Portland Port’s environment and planning manager Sandie Wilson says approving the Ferrybridge plan is ‘premature’ and should be refused on economic and transport grounds.

Chairman of Portland Community Partnership Andy Matthews says evidence gathered for the proposed Portland Neighbourhood Plan suggests accessing the island could be a ‘significant barrier’ to the area’s development.

He said the PCP objects to the Ferrybridge application as it wants to wait until the outcome of a transportation review, and the proposal can be assessed against wider economic benefits to Portland and south Dorset.

Weymouth Civic Society also believes the route should be safeguarded, and said there were ‘deep-seated’ problems of traffic congestion on the road via Boot Hill and Portland Road.

Commercial property developer Mickey Jones has not written to object but is a supporter of the Western Route.

He said Portland Road through Wyke was a safety and congestion ‘blackspot’ and the Western Route would be ‘perfect’ as it would link with Weymouth Relief Road.

He added: “The problem is the road has been removed from all Local Plans and I am not aware of this about to change soon.

“I think the councils need to look at the scheme and its viability and make a final decision about its future.”

It is expected Weymouth and Portland Borough Council will make a decision on the proposals for the Ferrybridge Inn in the coming weeks.

Applicant Ferrybridge Develop-ments has submitted two outline applications – one proposing 22 flats and houses, and a larger scheme of 29 residential units together with a pub/restaurant.