Palmer Homes has appealed over their scheme for 17 homes at the end of the un-made Prospect Place at Upwey.

It has lodged a complaint with the planning inspectorate claiming Dorset Council has failed to make a decision on its proposal.

A legal notice, issued by the company, says that comments from any owner of the land, or tenant, has to be made to the Planning Inspectorate at Temple House Quay, 2 The Square, Bristol by October 2.

Dorset Council had already rejected a similar scheme, for 18 homes, on the same site at Chesterfield Place, at the end of Prospect Place.

Their latest application, for 17 homes, was registered on June 19, but has not been decided. It also allows for 53 additional car parking spaces on the site.

The proposal has received dozens of objections including from Weymouth Town Council, the Upwey Society, Weymouth Civic Society, Prospect Road residents and others.

One of the key issues has been the officially recognised ‘local gap’ the land represents, noted as being important in the Local Plan.

The one-hectare site lies within the village Conservation Area to the west of Dorchester Road with access via the unmade Prospect Place which the company has said it will improve, something many of the residents, although not all, are opposed to.

Palmer Homes say the scheme will include social housing properties and help meet a shortfall in local housing need. Its outline application includes the demolition of dilapidated farm buildings and an old greenhouse.

Residents have repeated their arguments that the ‘character’ of the area will be ruined if the additional homes are agreed. Several have written to Dorset Council to express concerns about extra traffic and the effect it may have on their underground services and foundations.

Palmer Homes argue that there is precedent for development in the area and nothing in the Local Plan which precludes using the site. They also say that if allowed, the homes will only have a small effect on the open gap with additional trees being planted as part of a landscaping scheme to mitigate the appearance of the new development.