DORCHESTER'S iconic white hart statue looks set to be restored to its previous home.

Councillors have welcomed a proposal by developers of the former White Hart pub site for a possible location of the statue after they previously claimed keeping it on site would be impossible.

The white hart previously took pride of place above the entrance to the High East Street pub, which has now been demolished to make way for 10 new homes.

The site is currently being developed by Spetisbury Construction on behalf of Burton Property Ventures Ltd, after planning permission was granted in 2012. Burton Property acquired the site in September 2014.

Burton director Adam O'Brien previously told Dorchester Town Council's planning and environment committee that there was not any spare space on the site for the statue.

However, following discussions with the council the firm has now come up with a solution and provided images of a possible location for the statue.

Mr O'Brien said: "At Burton Property we are very pleased that further to some important and constructive consultation with the town council, we have been able to find a solution in principle to accommodate the white hart sculpture on site for years to come.

"It has been a challenge and will require the approval of the local authority, but all being well should result in the white hart having a prominent and safe vantage point on the development.

"This process has been a good example of the importance of public consultation, which as a company we place great emphasis on, and we feel confident the right solution has been reached for all concerned.

"Subject to the approval of the relevant authorities we look forward to adding this important element to our development."

Chairman of the planning and environment committee Susie Hosford said she was also pleased to have reached a solution that would see the statue retained on the site.

She said: "They are proposing to have it situated on the site where it should be and it will be nicely visible from the river walk."

Cllr Hosford said that councillors had also discussed putting a small plaque beside the statue to explain its significance.

The historic White Hart pub dates back to 1895 and was mentioned by Thomas Hardy in his short story A Few Crusted Characters.

It was rebuilt in 1926 following a fire and the building remained until it was demolished to make way for the current development.