‘BE patient – the redevelopment scheme is coming’.

That’s the message to campaigners disappointed about plans and what they claim is a missed development opportunity at the former council offices in Weymouth.

As reported in the Echo, a demonstration organised by Cllr Jon Orrell is being held at the site this Saturday from 12 noon amid concerns the ‘ugly’ block is being retained and that locals are not being given a say in the planning process.

Developer Acorn South, which purchased the North Quay site from Weymouth and Portland Borough Council for £4.5 million, is choosing to retain the offices in its redevelopment vision.

It is asking the council at this stage for ‘prior notification’ – approval for whether its proposal fits within the change of use from office to residential.

This is a technical question for officers rather than a planning application, and will not go to the planning committee for debate – a move which has angered residents. There is a barrage of complaints registered online against this prior notification application.

Acorn has now said this is the first stage in the process and that people will get a chance to see the full picture later when a planning application for works is submitted to the council.

A senior councillor has also sought to reassure residents that they will get a chance to comment and have an input in the process at a later stage.

A spokesman for Acorn South said: “We understand the frustration but are required to follow planning rules which require a staged approach. This avoids schemes being pre-judged, but often delays publication of the final scheme.

“We are committed to investing in the successful development and regeneration of this part of Weymouth and the conversion of the existing building is the first stage in that process.

“Conversion is a sensitive green route to regeneration and we ask that the public bear with us and allow the planning process to unfold fully prior to our end vision being revealed.”

Cllr Ian Bruce is angered by plans for the demonstration and feels that people should allow the developer to proceed with its plans.

He said borough councillors were well aware when Acorn South put its bid in for the site that the firm intended to retain the ‘shell’ of the building in its redevelopment vision.

Cllr Bruce said Acorn South’s bid was agreed to be the best deal on the table, providing the best value for council tax payers.

An officer explained to councillors at the time that Acorn's proposal had the 'wow factor'. The detail of these proposals have yet to be made public.

Cllr Bruce added: “Acorn is now going through a particular planning procedure and will submit a planning application later. That will be the time for people to comment. Be patient – it will come.

“Councillors will then listen to what people are saying and listen to what the developer is trying to achieve.

“However some people are trying to block this process and that makes me angry. We should allow the developer to get on with it.”

Cllr Bruce said he didn't think the council offices looked ugly compared with other office blocks.

However he said the building will be upgraded and refurbished so it is suitable for apartments. Work to do that will be subject to the planning process.