Homes to be built at Kingsbere Road in Weymouth after years of debate

Dorset Council granted the application although a dozen neighbours lodged letters of objection.

The empty site, surrounded by homes on all sides, was previously occupied by Southdown Bungalow which was demolished following the granting of a consent in 2016 to build six 4-bed homes on the site.

Agents say the new scheme has a better layout than the original which will give each of the properties a more useable garden space by moving the homes more to the centre of the plot with the homes reflecting neighbouring properties along Bodkin Lane.

Access to the site will be via Kingsbere Road.

• READ MORE: Residents branded 'selfish and rude' for objecting to social housing

Residents in both Preston Road, Kingsbere Road and Bodkin Lane had raised a series of concerns about the proposals although Weymouth town council’s planning committee had decided not to object.

The design has been described as 'unashamedly modern'

Among the comments were that the new buildings would be imposing and incongruous, lacking any attempt to create a sense of space, would overlook existing homes and would add to increased problems with parking in the area.

There were also concerns raised about a potential flood risk although a report said that the site should be adequately protected and that the drainage system in the area was adequate to cope with run-off from the site.

One of the submissions to Dorset Council included a video of the area during heavy rainfall showing water cascading across the road.

A report from a Dorset planning officer said that highways officers had raised no concerns about parking or access to the site and that the design of the homes and layout met with planning standards: “The proposed dwellings are unashamedly modern and of contemporary design and appearance including asymmetrically pitched roofs. Although different in style to neighbouring properties the new dwellings will be “of their time” and of a scale and height similar to other dwellings in the locality,” said the report.

The planning officer summary concluded that the layout was better than the previous proposals and “would make a positive contribution to local character and identity.”