THE lack of any affordable housing in a major Weymouth redevelopment has been criticised.

Borough councillors will be urged to support the transformation of the Brewers Quay tourist attraction into an attractive residential and cultural hub at a meeting next week.

But they will be told no affordable housing for locals can be provided as developers claim it is not viable at present due to the 'exceptional' costs involved of restoring and converting the historic Grade II listed brewery building.

The long-awaited plan from Brewers Quay Investments LLP will see alterations and conversion of the existing building to provide a museum, wet weather attraction or exhibition space, a 'cultural space', four shop units plus restaurant and 35 houses and flats.

Councillors will also consider a parallel application to build 18 houses and flats on the 'under-used' Newtons Road car park behind the site which will help pay for the scheme. This is also being recommended for approval.

In relation to both applications, the council's own housing enabling officers advise that there is a 'high level' of housing need in the area and find it 'disappointing' that no affordable housing is being provided.

"In their opinion the provision of affordable homes on this site would, in addition to helping to meet local housing need, assist in the creation of a balanced and sustainable community as they would be occupied by people with a connection to the area as their only residence," a report says.

The applicant say the residential development will contribute to the supply of local housing as well as enabling the refurbishment of Brewers Quay, ensuring the integral fabric of the Grade II listed building is retained.

The proposals will help secure the long-term future of the building, provide a home for an upgraded Weymouth Museum and reinforce Hope Square as a tourist attraction.

The applicant will also provide a 'linkage' between Brewers Quay and the housing area at Newton Road car park, to be known as Brewers Reach.

Planning officer Chris Moscrop says independent advice obtained by the council accepts the view that the schemes are unable to provide affordable housing contributions but he advises there should be a review of this as building progresses. In relation to the car park development, he says there should be an assessment once costs are known to see whether affordable housing contributions can be made.