Three Betterment Homes applications on plots of grassland at Southwell, Portland are being recommended for approval – despite objections from neighbours and the town council.

In total the company want to put up nine terraced homes on three plots in the area of Reap Lane and Rip Croft.

A scheme for four two-bed terraced homes south west of Reap Lane on a grassed area between Reap Lane and Rip Croft, would if approved, include one parking space for each home and what is described as ‘modest’ gardens and small patio areas.

Portland Town Council has objected to the homes claiming that the proposal is an over development, would lead to a loss of green space and cause potential ‘highway issues.’

Some residents have also objected to the loss of the site claiming that it is the only green area, locally, where small children can play in safety. Others say more parking needs to be allocated if the scheme were to go ahead and that the houses will result in some neighbouring properties being overlooked. There is also a concern raised about traffic safety.

But planning officers will tell councillors at the local planning committee on December 12th that there are no objections from the highway authority; that under current standards the site could easily take more homes and that the design is in keeping with the area and would not cause any ‘adverse’ overlooking of neighbours.

They say the loss of the green space is ‘acceptable’ given the fact that the area has a need for additional housing and the area has planning policies which seek to make the ‘best, efficient and appropriate’ use of land.

Similar arguments are made for a site further down Reap Lane where Betterment is asking for outline consent for three terraced homes on another grassland area between numbers 68 and 78. To the east of the proposed site is a track leading to the coast and a path leading to the frontage of properties. To the west is an open area of car park. Opposite the site to the south is a children’s play area and larger area of open space.

Portland Town Council also claims this to be an over development and again points to the loss of green space.

Neighbours have also objected on similar grounds but planning officers have again found the application acceptable and are recommending the committee give outline permission for the site.

The final Betterment application to be considered by the local planning committee on December 12th is also being recommended for approval.

The developer want to put up two terraced homes, each of three bedrooms, on a site west of Branscombe Close and close to the junction with Rip Croft.

Portland Town Council has lodged the same objections as the previous applications and most of the residents of Branscombe Close are said to have objected – claiming the use of the site will add to traffic and parking problems as well as a loss of privacy.