THE manager of a Portland hotel has warned more that road accidents could occur if a nearby area is turned into a camping site.

Angie Mustill, operations manager at the Heights Hotel, has objected to plans to change the use of the market site off Priory Road.

Markets JC Ltd, represented by Phil Watts Planning, made the application in December to make the site of ‘mixed use’. The site would still be used as a camping and caravan site, as well as a space for an open air market.

Ms Mustill, however, has voiced arguments against the application.

In a comment attached to the application, she said: “This is a dangerous road junction and unless road calming is introduced accidents may happen with increased pedestrians crossing over from the bus stops.”

Ms Mustill said the change of use would also impact the hotel’s facilities.

She said: “The hotel’s overnight car parking facility would be abused, leaving no space for bona fide hotel guests.”

The Weymouth Civic Society has also made a representation, stating that the site was ‘most unsuitable’ for camping and caravans.

In a letter, Pru Bollam, acting chairman of plans sub-committee, said: “The proposed use for caravans and camping would be an intrusion into the open character of the island. This grassy space should remain open. If anything, this area of Portland should be improved, not degraded.”

In a separate letter to the application submitted, Philip Watts, planning and development consultant, said it was the applicant’s intention to only use part of the site for caravans and camping.

He said: “In terms of the period for which the caravan and camping site is operated, I can confirm that this will relate to a 10-month period from March 1 until October 31 in any year, not nine months as incorrectly stated in the supporting statement, but that a similar time restriction is not sought for the market use.”

A target decision date for the application has been set for Thursday, February 12. The borough council’s planning and traffic committee will next meet on Wednesday, February 4.

  • IF accepted, the application would allow the market to still be held and function on a Tuesday.

Pitches would be formally marked and electric hook-ups would be provided depending on the site’s popularity. These would be available for market traders to use, negating the need for generators.

The site could provide 117 pitches which would be accessible from the site’s established tarmac route-ways.

The site currently benefits from its own water supply with a mains feed located nearby.

A mobile toilet and shower block has been proposed for those staying on site in a similar location to the existing portakabin toilets used by market customers.