Proposal to protect cliffs for waterfront project

A 60-bed care home, 141 homes, a gym, a swimming pool and spa are included in the plans for site near Portland Harbour

Work to protect the former site of a defence facility has been proposed before the start of a multimillion-pound waterfront development.

A 60-bed care home, 141 homes, a gym and a spa are included in plans for a waterfront development near Newtons Road in Weymouth.

Work to stabilise the cliffs and the installation of a replacement wall are proposed for the base of Newtons Cove Cliff.

The site, at the corner from Portland Harbour, was previously used by the Ministry of Defence and then military technology firm Qinetiq.

Weymouth Town Council has said the development would "help unlock the potential of the area"

The plans include a coastal risk management plan and a biodiversity strategy for the site.

About 40 buildings of various sizes have already been cleared in preparations for the next rebuilding phase.

A comment on the proposals from Weymouth Town Council said: "The Council warmly supports the development, and looks forward to its speedy completion.

"The development will improve amenity for residents and help unlock the potential of the area."

Parking for more than 200 cars will be provided on the former Bincleaves site with space for bicycles as well.

The Portland Harbour site was originally expected to be developed in time for the 2012 Olympics and has been vacant since 2006.

Councillors heard that once started the project, run by developers Juno MMXX, was likely to take three years to complete.

Comments on the proposed stabilisation works remain open to the public until 26 February.