Church to be converted into homes despite concerns

A second attempt to convert a former church into six homes has been successful, despite dozens of objections.

A previous planning application for the conversion of the former Wyke Regis Methodist church in Weymouth was turned down by Dorset Council.

Weymouth Civic Society, along with many others, objected to the changed layout, number of roof lights, and lack of parking.

The building on Portland Road, which is next to a recreation ground and opposite local shops, has not been used since September 2021.

Neighbours wrote to the council at the time of the 2024 application, many worried about the extra cars the conversion would bring to an already congested area, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

One said: "I really can't believe that this is even being considered again. Points raised previously have still not been addressed in this application"

They said "most residents of surrounding roads often struggle to get parked close to where they live".

The civic society also said it was already difficult to find parking spaces in the "heavily congested" area, and Weymouth Town Council objected on traffic and parking grounds.

However, Dorset Highways raised no objections.

It said while there would be no on-site parking, the proposals were "acceptable" due to nearby links to local transport, retail, education, leisure and health facilities.

The proposal is to create four one-bed and two two-bed flats within the church main building and adjoining hall to the rear.

A Dorset Council planning case officer, who decided the application, said the highways issue was not a point of consideration, either in the initial council decision or at the appeal.

London-based Capital Securities Ltd said while there was no room for parking on the site, cycle bays would be provided including two with electric charging points.

Dorset Council has agreed on the change of use to housing, given no objections to the loss of the church, and the need for smaller homes in the area.

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