THE OWNERS of an Esplanade property in Weymouth have been refused permission to convert an unoccupied business premises and basement into a two-bed apartment.

The proposals would have also led to the front entrance at 80 The Esplanade being refurbished.

Dorset Council rejected the proposal although Weymouth Civic Society and ward councillor Jon Orrell had welcomed the restoration of the Georgian frontage.

Weymouth town council had objected to the plans on the grounds of the risk of flooding to the basement home – a view shared by the Environment Agency.

In a letter to Dorset Council a resident pleaded against the loss of the commercial unit on the seafront warning that once converted into a home there would be no way back.

Said the resident: “We need to support those businesses that have been here a long time and that tourists expect to find in a place like Weymouth.

"The seafront is a prime location for business, there is an original example of the same Georgian architecture next door, and business should be prioritised over a pretty, but false facade.

"We are a town driven by tourism and should strive to maintain our fun and family friendly amenities, not line the pockets of developers.”

The owners say the Royal Terrace unit has been empty for two years with no success in attracting a commercial letting for the property, claiming the conversion back to a home would “have considerable visual benefits to both the Esplanade and the Conservation Area.

The proposed work would also respect the cultural heritage of Weymouth and help return this fine Georgian terrace to its original beauty… The proposed design and detail simply imitate the historic precedents of the original historic properties in both appearance and scale. Steps, railings, windows and front door can all be found on unaltered buildings in the same terrace.”

A planning case officer concluded that while the principle of the application is acceptable, including the loss of the commercial unit, the plans should be rejected in light of the Environment Agency’s objection on the grounds of flood risk to future occupiers.