A new planning application is set to be put forward for a Weymouth development after works were halted.
Marchesi House in Southill was demolished in 2022 to make way for a new development of 31 homes, including 13 one-bedroom flats, 12 two-bedroom houses, six three-bedroom houses and 38 parking spaces.
But due to a significant increase in the cost of building material and labour, the main contractor was unable to deliver the scheme at the agreed price.
Site owner, Bournemouth Churches Housing Association (BCHA), is now working with local building company CG Fry and Son as the new proposed contractor for the development.
Planning permission was initially granted in 2022 for 31 homes, however the redevised design proposes a development of 26.
This reduced number is largely down to a reduction in the number of flats proposed.
Only one block of flats is now being proposed and instead of being built near to the front of the development along Radipole Lane, they have been relocated to the lowest part of the site.
Paul Hoffmann, Senior Planner at CG Fry said: “The southern end of the site is lowest in terms of topography; as such, this part of the site is considered the most appropriate location for the apartment block.”
All 26 of the homes will be classed as affordable dwellings which means they will be available to people on the housing register and will be offered to those with a local connection to the area.
A total of 21 homes will be affordable rent, whilst the remaining five will be shared ownership.
READ MORE: Works halted on controversial £4.5m homes development
A spokesperson for BCHA said: “The application will be submitted by the end of April and once it has been validated by Dorset Council's validation team, the application will go 'live' and people will then be able to view all of the proposed plans and documents on Dorset Council's website.
“Through CG FRY, we have submitted a letter to neighbouring residents to make them aware in advance of the intention to submit a revised application shortly, highlight the proposed site plan and to provide some preliminary information.
“Once the application has been validated, site notices will be erected around the site which will let people know the application is 'live' and give people an opportunity to view the application documents and comment on the proposals.
“CG FRY is the contractor we worked with to build a new eco-development in Bridport, Hazelmead which was shortlisted for two national Inside Housing Development Awards in 2023.”
CG Fry have assured residents that the development has been ‘designed sensitively’ and will be ‘attractive in appearance.’
One local resident described the current state of the site as ‘an eyesore,’ adding that ‘it seems to have just been left to overgrow at the moment.’
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