Claims that Strategic Director Martin Hamilton might have breached Weymouth and Portland Borough Council rules over the Peninsula development have been quashed.

Weymouth resident Mick Burt produced papers at Thursday's borough council meeting which he said he believed showed that Mr Hamilton was acting against the council's constitution in promoting the development.

But head of paid service at the council Stuart Caundle told him that Mr Hamilton was, in effect, acting as 'agent' for the project which was allowable, even though the development was being promoted by the borough council.

Mr Caundle said that Mr Hamilton would take no part in the planning process and would have no influence over the planning committee or planning officers.

“There will not be pre-determination as a result of this..this is a decision in principle to pursue and application..

“Mr Hamilton's involvement is perfectly proper...he is, in effect, the agent for this application.”