Weymouth Harbour must NOT become residential zone, council says

Councillors have raised concerns about hospitality businesses on Custom House Quay being converted into homes and say it would be a "retrograde step" that would lead to increased noise complaints against businesses and undermine recent efforts to enhance the area as a destination for families to enjoy al-fresco dining.

The issue was raised at a recent meeting of Weymouth Town Council's planning and licensing committee when members objected to a change of use application from Quayside Bar and Kitchen at number 7 Custom House Quay, which requested permission to convert part of the building into a home.

Al-fresco dining at Custom House Quay

It was highlighted that Custom House Quay is becoming an attractive, family-orientated eating area and, should planning permission be granted, a third of the restaurant/coffee shop would be lost to residential use. Concerns were raised that should too many businesses convert to residential use, residents then complain about noise in the area and it becomes less attractive.

The business had asked to convert part of the ground floor of the building, currently operated as a café, to owner's living accommodation.

According to Quayside's agent, since opening from the Covid pandemic staffing has been hard for all eateries, and there is no need for the coffee shop to remain.

Weymouth Harbour

But councillor Jon Orrell is concerned it would result in the loss of a third of one of the harbourside's main restaurants and said it would be "a retrograde step."

"Lots of places like doing residential conversions because it's easy, quick money," he said. "The problem is if we get too many residential properties in this area then they complain about the noise from other venues and it stops the area being an attractive eating area for families and activities.

"It should be earmarked for restaurants and entertainment - I don't agree with the change of use. It's one of the best parts of the town I'd like to keep it that way. If they can't run it as the whole building and make it work then there's probably someone else that could."

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Works are being carried out by Dorset Council to improve the public realm

At a town council planning and licensing meeting members voted unanimously in favour of objecting to the Quayside application on the grounds of loss of employment opportunities.

The application is to be delegated to a Dorset Council planning officer for a final decision and remains live on the council's website.

But Quayside's owner Michael Allen said yesterday that he is now withdrawing the application.

•  Work at Custom House Quay is ongoing as Dorset Council carries out a package of public realm improvements - including widening pavements for pedestrians, and creating a sitting-out area outside hospitality businesses.