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PLANS to build a bungalow in a Portland conservation area have sparked a war of words between residents.

Sixteen objections and 23 letters of support have been received by planners for the proposal in Weston Road, which councillors will tour on a site visit during next Wednesday's meeting of Weymouth and Portland planning and traffic committee.

They will be told that two previous schemes for the same site - one for three detached chalet bungalows and one for two detached houses - were both refused because they were not sufficiently well designed to preserve or enhance the Weston conservation area and because they would hit local visual amenities.

Now officers will urge members to refuse this latest scheme because it would be 'detrimental to the fundamental character of this part of the Weston conservation area'.

Objectors claim the development is inappropriate in a conservation area, is unacceptable backland development that would change the character of the area, that access is restricted and narrow and that neighbours will be hit by overlooking, over dominance, noise and loss of light and views.

But supporters claim the scheme is well designed, that it will fit in with the surrounding area, will not be intrusive, will enhance the area, that there are already other bungalows nearby and that unique homes such as this one are 'preferable to flats and housing association properties'.

A report to the meeting says the proposed single bungalow has reduced the visual impact but does not have a design traditional to the area and results in the loss of existing green space on the southern part of the site.

The report concludes that the proposal would hit the conservation area's fundamental character and that potential noise disturbance to neighbours has not been fully dealt with.

Accordingly councillors will be recommended to refuse permission for the scheme on grounds of its design, scale and siting and because insufficient information has been submitted about the impact of the access on neighbouring properties, particularly with regard to night-time noise levels and the proximity of windows.

The proposal would also be contrary to the 2005 Weymouth and Portland Local Plan.

8:40pm Thursday 27th March 2008

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