A DECISION on funding to transform Dorchester’s historic Shire Hall into a major visitor attraction has been delayed.

West Dorset District Council had been due to hear from the Heritage Lottery Fund in November on a bid to support a ‘hugely important’ £1.5million project to restore the venue of the Tolpuddle Martyrs trial in 1834.

However, the body has agreed to defer a decision on funding and is requesting more information on the project’s business plan before making a decision next year.

District councillor Alistair Chisholm has been a keen supporter of the scheme and said that while the delay was ‘disappointing’ he was hopeful that the necessary additions to the business plan would be provided and the funding bid would still be approved.

He said: “It’s hugely important it goes ahead.

“Not only is in another destination for Dorchester but it’s also very much a Dorset story that has international repercussions.

“I get the feeling the lottery are minded to support this application as obviously it is a very unique building.

“But obviously they have their criteria and I trust those responsible will be able to make whatever amendments are necessary and when the application goes in again next year it will be successful.”

Cllr Chisholm added: “I am disappointed but it’s not the end of the road, I feel sure they can make the necessary changes and it will eventually be a success.”

He said that, even if the restoration project is still a work in progress, the Shire Hall will be very much open for business again next summer and he is confident another successful year like the last will only serve to aid the scheme.

A spokesman for the Heritage Lottery Fund said: “The Heritage Lottery Fund’s South West Committee has delayed its decision on West Dorset District Council’s £1.5m plan to restore Dorchester’s Grade I listed Shire Hall and bring it back into public use.

“In order to make a fully informed assessment and to ensure the long-term sustainability of the plans, the Committee requested further information on the project’s business plan. “A decision is now expected next year.”

West Dorset District Council leader Robert Gould said he would work with the Heritage Lottery Fund to develop the business plan and added that the authority hoped to hear positive news about funding for the scheme next year.