AN ATTEMPT to add flats to an up and coming development on a prominent site in Weymouth looks set to be blocked.

Permission has already been given to demolish the former Wyke Regis Garage on Portland Road and build two shops on the site.

It is expected the businesses will create seven full-time jobs and 25 part-time positions.

Hoardings have gone up as work to clear the site gets underway.

But applicant Westcoast (Convenience) Limited has submitted a similar application but with the addition of four flats above the shops.

It was going to be left for officers to decide the application under delegated powers but it has been 'called in' by councillors who have concerns about the scheme. They are anxious it is debated by the planning committee.

A report to Weymouth and Portland Borough Council's planning committee next Wednesday is recommending the application is refused as its 'block' design is out of keeping, and the fact it would 'overbear' neighbouring properties.

Councillor Kate Wheller, who requested the call-in with Cllr Mark Tewkesbury said she had no problem with retail and housing development at the site.

But she is worried about the design which would impact on properties in Williams Avenue.

Cllr Wheller said one of the proposed flats would look directly into a house, others would look into gardens, while a bin store would go right up against a wall of an existing house, with no space in between.

"If the applicant came back with a revised plan that doesn't impact on properties I wouldn't have a problem with it because we need homes," said Cllr Wheller.

A report to the committee says: "By reason of its simplistic box design, the proposed building would not be in keeping with the character of the area. The proposed design has little regard to the local distinctiveness of the locality, which is influenced by Victorian properties of a domestic scale and proportion, such that the building would be at odds with the general character of the locality, having a significant detrimental impact on the street scene and visual amenity of the area."

It adds: "By reason of its design, mass, scale and layout, the proposed development would have a significant impact on the residential amenity of neighbouring occupiers, having an overbearing impact on properties to the rear.

"The impacts of the scheme are such that they would significantly outweigh the benefits. The proposed development subsequently fails to comply with Local Plan policies and is recommended for refusal."