Re: North Quay Old Council Offices – redevelopment in line with local council plan vs building retention
I have been campaigning hard on this issue and been told it is a narrow technical matter involving only flood risk and road use and so all our 90 objections will be ruled irrelevant to the change of use ( and retention of ugly block). We risk being ignored yet all is not lost.
However after some considerable argument I now find that the council does have the full power to use Article 4 to ensure developers fit with a local council plan
Article 4 would have to have been served and brought into effect by the date of the decision on the prior notification and therefore at the latest by 13 December 2016. The only way in which an Article 4 direction could be made in this time is if it would qualify to come into immediate effect. In this case we would need to show that the development “would be prejudicial to the proper planning of [the] area or constitute a threat to the amenities of [the] area”
One resident who has been very active helpfully notes that 7.3.25 of the Local Plan states that:
“i) The Westwey Road and North Quay area will be re-developed for mixed uses which may include residential, hotel, commercial and small scale retail development so as to create an active street and water front.
ii) A comprehensive scheme is required for North Quay which will complement the scale, rhythm and rich texture of the buildings in Trinity Road to the East and High West Street to the South so as to present an attractive frontage to the harbour and to respect the historic buildings of the old High Street.”
Since this building dominates the area, making it exclusively residential is not in accordance with the mixed use designation. Further it is unlikely that such a development can in any way complement the surrounding historic buildings.
2) We would also note that the 2012 Conservation Area Appraisal states that:“while the building may have architectural merit its imposition on the earlier historic street pattern of Weymouth, including the clearing of high street is to the detriment of the area”.
The Council’s own planning application argued that demolishing the building would remove this “detriment” to the area. However, if the building is not to be demolished, significantly changing the exterior appearance would lose whatever architectural merit there might be in this rather classic sixties designed building.
In conclusion, the council has the power but needs the will. So as concerned residents I ask you to join me this coming Saturday to show the depth of feeling at seeing this once in a lifetime chance to improve North Quay and repair / restore the frontage is not missed.
Dr. Jon Orrell
