PLANS for 26 flats on the site of a former Weymouth amusement arcade have been agreed – although councillors say they are disappointed there will be no affordable homes.

Members of the borough's planning committee were told on Wednesday that the scheme would not be viable if the developers had to meet the 35 per cent affordable homes target.

But despite the disappointment most of the committee agreed that the proposals would smarten up the area and see the removal of an ugly building to the rear of the Esplanade property.

As a bonus the development will also offer 15 basement parking places and room for cycle storage – and at the insistence of councillors should also have electric car charge points.

Several argued that all new developments in the town should now include them in readiness for the day when petrol and diesel cars are a thing of the past.

The existing building is mainly two storey with a Georgian-inspired three storey section close to Gloucester Mews. It will be replaced with a four and a half storey building with seventeen one-bed flats and nine two-bed, with a central section one storey lower.

An Environment Agency holding objection to the scheme was dropped after the developers came up with a solution to design out what the agency said was a potential flood risk to the lower ground floor.

Agent for developers, Brownsea Build Ltd, Carol Evans, said the building would enhance the street scene with the flats designed to appeal to those starting out on the property ladder.

“It will enhance the viability and vitality of this important part of Weymouth,” she said.

Portland councillor Paul Kimber was amongst those to vote for the scheme: “It's a good application, a good development and it will tidy up the area nicely,” he said.

Cllr Richard Nickinson pressed for at least four electric car charge points for the 15-space parking area: “We should try an future proof all local developments,” he said.

Backing for the idea came from all parties but there continued to be concern during the debate about the scheme lacking an affordable homes.

“This is the perfect area to start your working life, but even if these homes cost £125,000 and you are on £15,000 a year you won't be able to afford one,” said Cllr Kate Wheller. She said the issue of affordability was something which the new Dorset Council must address when it starts work in April.

Planning committee chairman Cllr Mark Tewkesbury joined the overall support for the scheme but said he was personally disappointed that affordable homes had been ruled out by a desk-top assessment of viability.

“I can't help but feel that our hands are tied on schemes like this...we have young people wanting to stay living in the borough who have to go and live elsewhere.”