Dorset Council says it remains committed to achieving housing at the former naval accommodation block and adjoining land on Portland.

It says it will work with site owners, Comer Homes, to get new homes built and has asked for talks with the company about how best to progress the next phase of the scheme.

In parallel, the council’s enforcement team have been taking action to clear up the site and have threatened legal measures if that does not happen.

The future of the site was raised at yesterday’s Dorset Council cabinet meeting by Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Nick Ireland.

He said permission for the homes was first approved for the Castletown scheme in 2004, although the ‘Ocean Views’ development had yet to be completed.

“Work has been halted for the best part of 10 years and the skeleton of Prince Andrew House has blighted the Underhill conservation area, whilst additional housing adjacent has also yet to be built,” said Mr Ireland.

“The building is an eyesore for residents and visitors alike, whilst the lack of security presents a risk to our children.”

Said Housing portfolio holder Cllr Graham Carr-Jones: “The Ocean Views development site was subject to an application by Weymouth & Portland Borough Council for £2.838m of Housing Infrastructure Funding (HIF) in September 2017. The purpose of the application was to seek funding to support the delivery of important land stabilisation works which would help facilitate the delivery of approximately 191 new build units forming phase three of the Ocean Views scheme.

“In March 2019, Homes England confirmed that Weymouth & Portland Borough Council were successful in their application and would be awarded the funding as a grant subject to the completion of a funding agreement. Unfortunately, officers were unable to secure commitment from the developer Comer Homes Group to complete the funding agreement under the terms offered.

“Throughout the HIF application process, Comer Homes Group has advised that phase two (Prince Andrew House) could be delivered without the assistance of external funding. Indeed, the Local Planning Authority approved changes to the design and appearance of Prince Andrew House in March 2018 to help reduce the cost of the scheme and facilitate the delivery of this key building. In May 2019, Comer advised that the delay in starting work on phase two had been a result of a number of issues including uncertainty over the current housing market, the availability of labour and materials from Europe and changes in Building Regulations relating to cladding.

“Officers from across the Place Directorate remain committed to working with Comer Homes to bring forward a scheme for the site. In parallel to the ongoing enforcement action, a meeting has been requested with representatives of Comer Group to pick up progress with phase two and consider future options for the site,” he said.

Enforcement action

Cllr Carr-Jones said that officers had undertaken ward walks with local councillors and had also met with business representatives.

“These have highlight significant concerns on the part of local residents about the impact of the site is having on the amenity of the area,” he said.

He told the Cabinet meeting that the planning enforcement team issued a first warning letter to Comer Homes Group on November 14 requesting that works be carried out to remove rubbish and building materials within 28 days.

“The warning explained that failure to deal with the site satisfactorily could lead to enforcement action being taken under Section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. Since issuing the first warning, Comer Homes Group have responded to tell the Dorset Council that works had started prior to the issue of the warning letter to clear the area of building materials and rubbish. In addition, Comer have said that works have also started to repair and improve the fencing, hoardings and gates to the compound and site. "

Cllr Carr-Jones said that enforcement officers will now visit the site again to inspect its condition and were prepared, if needed, to take enforcement action, which could take place in mid-February.