Step forward for Dorset development

Plans for a mixed-use development on the Osprey Quay site in Dorset have taken a step forward. The plot once formed part of the Royal Naval Air Station HMS Osprey.Osprey Quay is a huge coastal area on the south-western shore of Portland Harbour. It includes flood defences, open greenspace and a waterfront promenade between Portland Castle and Portland Marina.Proposed is developing the site in two distinct parts.The western third is proposed to be a drive-thru coffee shop in a single-storey building. The actual drive-thru lane would circle around the south, west and north sides of the building, with a 26-space car park also lined up.Starbucks is the proposed user.The eastern two-thirds of the application site is proposed to be a business park of nine small commercial units. This will comprise a pair of two-storey buildings divided vertically into a total of nine two-storey units.There will also be a car parking area comprising 50 spaces.A planning statement submitted as part of the application noted that the scheme would bring investment into Portland in order to “bring a long-term vacant site into productive use, thus creating a significant economic benefit to the locality including through job creation”.The application was recommended for approval by Dorset Council’s Western and Southern Area Planning Committee, with members having now backed two recommendations.The first is to delegate authority to the head of planning to grant the green light, subject a S106 being signed. However, if a S106 cannot be agreed, the decision would be a refusal.