PLANS to build 22 homes on a ‘much-loved community space’ are set to go before councillors.

A meeting of the Weymouth and Portland Borough Council planning committee will discuss the proposals – which would all be retained for social housing – on land to the south of Augusta Road on Portland.

The plans by Kier Living Ltd propose to build 20 houses and two flats on the site, which would be two or two-and-a-half storey semi-detached and terraced units.

All of the homes would be offered on affordable rent or shared ownership basis, with a priority for people who have a connection to Portland.

Officers have recommended that councillors approve the plans, subject to conditions, when they discuss the proposal at a meeting on Wednesday, May 4.

But Portland Town Council has objected to the plans – along with Cllr Penny McCartney.

In a response in the report, a spokesman for the town council said: “The town council has objected to this proposal on the grounds that the Planning Inspector previously said that the site was an important open space, the volume of traffic that would be generated along a narrow roadway and the lack of sustainability (due to the lack of amenities such as shops, a school or a bus service).”

Cllr McCartney, who represents Tophill West on the borough council said the plans are ‘over development of precious green land used by the local community’.

The report states: “In her view this is an over developed area with large housing estates and the road itself is crammed with cars where getting parking and even movement up Augusta Road is difficult. 

“She has also pointed out that Grove Road is the only route to the prison which is really busy with cars down one side making it difficult to navigate. 

“Furthermore she is concerned about wildlife and other considerations, as well as keeping Portland’s unique heritage.

“In her opinion the whole area is a much loved community space and residents of Augusta Road and Grove Road are deeply upset about the impact on their homes.”

Almost 50 residents have also objected to the plans.

Dorset County Council’s flood risk management team has also advised that further investigation be carried out to ensure a viable scheme of surface water management can be delivered on the site.

But planning officer Chris Moscrop says in the report that the site is ‘an opportunity for consideration’.

He has recommended approving the plans subject to a number of conditions.