Lovell and Abri secure planning consent to build 500 homes in Weymouth

A £120m housing scheme in Weymouth has been given the green light by Dorset Council.

Lovell’s joint venture with Abri, one of the south’s largest housing providers, will deliver 500 new homes where they’re really needed as an urban extension on the outskirts of the town.

The 13 hectare scheme includes one and two bedroom apartments, as well as one, two, three and four bedroom homes.

It is widely accepted the development of this site would make a significant contribution to the local housing targets. The scheme, which is part of a larger site at Littlemoor, will also provide 175 affordable homes for the local area.

The proposed new development is situated within a strategic development location as identified in the Local Plan. Once complete, the site as a whole will include a primary school, local centre and significant employment floorspace.

Lovell says the benefits of the proposed scheme will transform the area and also generate much needed affordable housing for local people.

The development will have good connectivity throughout the site. This will include the provision of new foot and cycle paths linking to the national cycle network ,as well as to Littlemoor and open space and countryside.

The design will be developed to preserve and enhance the natural environment through protection of existing trees, hedgerows and the creation of wild life corridors and habitats.

Andrew Johnston, Regional Manager Director for Lovell, said: “We are delighted to have  secured full planning consent for this exciting joint venture with Abri which will provide hundreds of new homes in this area.

“This is another major housing scheme for the region which will now bring quality, energy efficient homes to the area whilst also driving job creation, apprenticeships, a new school and economic growth over the next ten years.”

Andrew added: “This is a dedicated program of investment, partnership working and housing delivery for the region. We look forward to getting started in the coming months.”

Sam Stone, Associate Director, Land and Planning at Abri, said: “Working in partnership with Lovell we’re able to deliver homes where they’re really needed with tenures that will help more people in the area.

“On our part, Abri is committed to building 12,500 new homes by 2030 and at this development not only are we providing a significant number of affordable homes, we’re also helping enhance local facilities with a new school and employment opportunities. Incorporating energy efficient features into the homes will also make them sustainable in the long term by lowering their carbon footprint.”

South coast architects Boyle+Summers led on the master planning of the development including place making and design of houses. Richard Summers, director at Boyle+Summers, added:

“This has been an exciting challenge for us as a team and we are looking forward to walking through the spaces we designed in time.”