UP TO 170 homes will be built on the site of Weymouth Football Club – but only after a new base for the Terras is secured.

West Dorset planners unanimously agreed to plans for housing at the Bob Lucas Stadium at Chickerell after hearing concerns about the original proposal could be overcome through the applicant fulfilling strict planning obligations. This includes agreements about affordable homes and a proviso that no building shall start until a replacement stadium is ready elsewhere.

West Dorset District Council’s Development Control Committee heard that a planning application for a new community stadium could be submitted early in 2015.

Green light for redevelopment means the public inquiry into the original plan due to begin next month will be called off, as long as planning obligation agreements between West Dorset District Council and applicants Wessex Delivery are signed by October 27.

At a meeting today the committee considered an outline plan for redevelopment virtually identical to the one they rejected last year due to be thrashed out appeal.

Planning officer Andrew Martin said the reasons for refusal were that it was outside the development boundary, there would be loss of an important recreation facility and there was no affordable housing contribution. The first reason for refusal will have to be withdrawn at the appeal given the council is unable to demonstrate a housing supply.

Mr Martin said the council had been talking to Wessex Delivery about obligations under Section 106 regarding affordable housing and the applicant had agreed to make a contribution of 35 per cent.

To address the loss of a recreational facility, terms laid down under Section 106 also means there can be no development at the current stadium except for minor works until an alternative is available for use. That alternative would have to be run past the district council for approval, even though the planning application would be determined by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.

This directive by the council follows an agreement between Wessex Delivery and Weymouth FC that gives the club greater protection about relocating.

Mr Martin said the Section 106 ‘puts the council in the driving seat’ as if an alternative stadium is not judged to be appropriate no houses would be built on the site.

He added later there had been a meeting about potential sites for the club and one particular prospect in Weymouth was ‘looking very good.’

Mr Martin said: “It’s clear from my contact with the applicant and the football club that there’s a different dynamic now. Eighteen months ago there was friction, but now there’s an attempt to work collaboratively from both sides to resolve this problem.”

John Montgomery representing the applicant’s agents said new stadium proposals, which would be subject to consultation, could come forward in early 2015. He said if those plans do not come to fruition the position of the council and that of Weymouth FC would be ‘fully safeguarded.’

Chickerell councillor Jean Dunseith said she objected to the plan and reiterated concerns from Chickerell Town Council about the unsuitable site for development, the loss of leisure space, and the fact a separate community would be created.

Fellow Chickerell councillor Ian Gardner described it as ‘Hobson’s choice’ and agreed with the recommendations on the understanding the replacement stadium must amount to equivalent or better provision is guaranteed by the 106 agreement.

AFTER the meeting Weymouth FC chairman Chris Pugsley said it was ‘fantastic news’. He described two potential sites in Weymouth for a new ground as ‘very positive and suitable’. Mr Pugsley said it was unlikely the club would be pushing for the Lodmoor site again, which was rejected in the summer.

John Montgomery, operations director for planning consultants Tanner & Tilley acting on behalf of Wessex Delivery, said: “I am delighted that the committee has unanimously agreed to grant planning permission for the residential redevelopment of the Wessex Stadium.

“This will enable the club to eventually relocate to a new stadium fit for football in the twenty first century and we will continue to work closely with the club to achieve this objective.”