Curtis Fields development starts

Image: © John Stephen Taken: 29 Jul 2014

"Exciting New Development" for some. Not quite so for everyone as reported by the Dorset Echo Wednesday 1 May 2013: "Councillors have deferred a decision on the controversial Curtis Fields development in Weymouth. Members of the borough council’s planning committee today agreed to visit the site before making a decision. Planning chiefs had recommended the development be refused. Highways and design issues, and the fact the scheme is submitted before a blueprint for future growth is agreed, have been given as reasons for turning down the scheme. House builder Betterment Properties has been keen to progress proposals for the site, also known as Markham and Little Francis, since it bought the land from the Curtis family several years ago. It unveiled multi-million pound plans last year, heralding a range of benefits, not least that it would help to fulfil future housing needs. Three quarters of residents taking part in a consultation did not support it. The fields separate Weymouth from Wyke Regis and the land includes an area registered as a Town Green, which had its status revoked following a court battle but is being appealed at the Supreme Court. Betterment eventually wants to build up to 600 homes on the site, developing in phases. Half of the 38-hectare site will be for public recreation and nature conservation. "

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