PLANS to build up to 90 new homes on Portland have been refused.

Stone Firms Ltd submitted the plans to demolish redundant industrial buildings on land to the east of Wakeham and build between 80 and 90 units.

The proposal was refused by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council’s Planning Committee following recommendations in a planning report.

Reasons behind the recommendation to refuse included that the site would be a departure from the existing Local Plan and impact on an area of nature conservation and archaeological importance.

The report also suggested that insufficient information regarding traffic and land contamination at the former industrial site had been provided.

The council received 18 letters against the proposals, which were also objected by Portland Town Council.

Stone Firms Ltd did not wish to make a comment.