I attended the public engagement events on the Weymouth peninsula development, and would like to highlight some important points that may have been overlooked when presenting a brief to the architects involved.

I am aware that the “right to a view” is not upheld in planning regulations, but did note that the view of the Nothe Fort, from the King’s Statue area on the seafront, was accommodated for by the alignment of one of the new roads, which I would agree with.

However, another important view, enjoyed by thousands of people who go for a walk round the harbour to the Nothe Gardens, is the one from the top of the Nothe steps, near where the ferryman drops off and collects his passengers. and where, on busy days, people queue to take photos of the sweep of the bay.

This iconic view, now framed by the end roundhouse of Pulteney Buildings and the front of the Pavilion Theatre, would be lost if the planned restaurant and boutique hotel was located as on the proposed plan, filling this gap. 

The design of the building is pleasing, with its complimentary rounded end. 

Moving its location seawards along side the Pavilion by half its length or more, would not diminish its attraction, but would include it in future pictures taken.

Weymouth’s only town square, the area in front of the Pavilion, is shown to be landscaped on the plan. 

This is home to many outdoor events, veterans and charity races start and end here, and it is very visible from the seafront to draw attention in the summer. 

If lost, the second location of choice is Lodmoor car park, which will pull crowds away from the Peninsula project.

David Higgins
Halsdon Farm
Warmwell
Dorchester