This view has changed forever, for a few reasons, with the removal of the big tanks seen towards the back to be replaced with big industrial type buildings.To the right is a slightly more concerning change with the loss of the "officers field" (click image to enlarge) to some outrageously built "eco homes" which are hideous.
Not only have we been let down on Portland regarding this field, (the only playing field down underhill) but we have been misled on what the homes would look like.
These are monstrous 3 storey buildings that have completely ruined the view.
Portlanders battled to stop this field being lost to us, and we lost... as always, our thoughts and feelings come second to what the council want, Weymouth council that is... "we" don't have our own council anymore and that itself is a disgrace.
The original plan was for 30 homes to be built here, how we were let down there too, now it seems there are to be 70, strange how the plans are changed after being submitted and started, another lie and abuse of trust from those in power, we shouldn't be surprised as we are always being let down buy the useless powers that be.
While we all accept that new homes are needed for local people and every home here better be going to the locals and not unwanted families from elsewhere like happened at westcliff after the navy sold their housing estate off... this to me is the biggest factor in Portland going downhill the last ten years.
We don't want to see that ever happen again...those who were unwanted elsewhere who moved into westcliff estate just brought their mentality with them... ask the real locals who live up there if it#s got worse and you will get the truth. (any non locals who moved to westcliff who feel I am being unfair, tough in a way, you need to look around to see it's as it is, I am not going to lie!)
So, yes we needed new homes, but nothing could prepare you for what they have started here, these buildings seem to be alot taller than they are and they are built so close to the road they almost hang over it, they do not fit into the surrounding area at all.
They are a shambles, they have wiped out these views over the mere and towards the beach road from this park.
There are also rumours that this will be the "Olympic village" for 2012, which if it turns out to be the truth is the ultimate insult to the locals and the area itself, IF true it will mean we lost a great thing for the sake of 3 weeks to house sports people?!
All of us have been somewhat pleased (if we are honest) with the redevelopment of the port and marina, the sailing academy is a great addition to Portland and we could see the Osprey key and marina has moved forward in many ways.
But this housing development is the opposite, an abuse of the Island and an insult to every Portlander today and the future generations.
It seems we Portlanders will have to be more proactive in future and really kick up a stick to stop those in Weymouth from ignoring the desires of the locals.
IF that means making a big stand like extreme protesters do, then so be it.
The only alternative is to stop caring, move off Portland and let the non locals ruin it more than they already have.
It's an abomination, one of the worst eyesores I have ever clapped eyes on, and so near to the road. I was told many years ago, by a Portland and Borough councillor that we are not entitled to a view. This was when planning permission had been requested for a house just over the back from our house. Sadly, only 3 and a half years ago, permission was granted at a time when I was in no state to argue as I had a more important family issue to deal with at the time, for a single storey bungalow. This turned into a two storey house as the 'builders' had got the measurement of the foundations 8 inches short all the way round. It's just one thing after another with the powers that be and everything in their favour and ignore the locals (sorry, I know I'm only an honorary Portlander, but it does make me angry. And as for the Olympics, don't get me started on that one ...........
ReplyDeleteHi Sylv,
ReplyDeleteYou're right there.
Now what that councillor told you doesn't surprise me at all. I could imagine it easily.
That's terrible about behind your place, so you lost that view you had?
Strange how they allowed it to be built higher, when they should have been told to start again and get it right.
The council don't give a hoot for us in Portland.
They never have and they never will! Look what weymouth gets! We get nothing but a few bags emptied each week, and they only do that to meet their recycling targets. Down with the lot of em! (Insert Swear word here!)
ReplyDeletePortland has always played 2nd to Weymouth.
ReplyDeleteSuch a waste of a fantastic green play area for the Island.
Andy, Julie,
ReplyDeleteVery true, sadly.... it's high time we took a stand to this sort of thing and stopped them treating us all like idiots.
Occasional rants from the end of the world - part 1.
ReplyDeleteIf you need convincing that the world has gone mad then look at the Olympics as a certain proof. Not only the cost, given the state of the economy, but the loss of Officers field to become a ghetto, whilst the eyesore of the Castletowm flats remain mostly empty. Competitors not happy... about a cruise ship to live on - too cramped - Yachtsmen - are you kidding, most of them sail things smaller than my bathtub!!!!
More nonsense is The Great Portal of Portland in Vicky Square not Ferry Bridge - get a map someone.
Also its the PORTLAND Sailing Acadamy and the PORTLAND Marina (see previous geographical reference)As for lasting legacy can't help thinking that the academy and the marina would be there any way.
No bloody lasting legacy of tarmac on the roads beyond the first roaundabout though is there. Not sure if the hubris and inconvenience we on portland will suffer can be justifyed by the sight of small indistingusable white trianges weavin...g about on the far horizon.
I believe the Portland academy, marina and associated developments in that area are excelllent and Portland needs long term investment in jobs. We dont need short term profiteering and fatuous flattery from Weymouth to gain themselves undeserved kudos.
Don't get me started on car parking charges and no litter or dog bins at Portland Bill. Thats it for now. Rockydiver.
:) rant away... ;)
ReplyDelete