Plans to convert a pub on Portland into flats have been given the green light by councillors.

The Clifton Hotel on Grove Road is set to be converted into eight residential flats with a detached block of garages and a number of parking spaces.

A unanimous decision was reached by councillors at a Weymouth and Portland planning committee meeting on Wednesday, December 13.

Councillors were recommended to approve planning permission in light of the lack of housing in the area and evidence that the pub has been marketed without success.

According to a report put before the committee, The Clifton Hotel hasn’t turned over a profit for some years and there are already a number of successful pubs in the area close to the site.

It also mentions that the pub has had five landlords in the last four years.

Jo Riley, the case officer, said: “So many people have tried to get it going over the years. People don’t go to pubs in the degree they used to. The whole concept of pubs in the community has died out.”

Councillor Kevin Brookes added: “I don’t disagree with what has been said. It is the way of the world nowadays.”

Councillor Paul Kimber said: “This pub died when the navy left. The officers used to go to the pub every Friday.

“The Grove itself is quite a unique community with the Captain’s House and the old school.”

The report also mentions that there has been no interest to list the building as an asset of community value.

As well as the development of garages, the site will provide 16 car parking spaces, which is a large number for a site of its size.

However, councillors were concerned that the garages would be used privately, and suggested ownership of the parking spaces should be given to the residents of the flats.

Councillor Brookes said: “I am curious how the back of gardens fit in with flats. Are the flats linked to the garages?

“It would be a shame for the people who buy the flats not to be able to park their cars somewhere.”

Councillor Mark Tewksbury said: “The condition is for parking to be provided and maintained. The report doesn’t go so far to say who the parking is for.”

Councillor Ian Bruce said: “Owners of flat should be allocated by right a particular car park space. If we can put forward a condition that each individual flat has allocated and parking space. Then obviously they can let theirs to someone else if need be.”

Councillor Margaret Leicester said: “Can I make a proposal that parking is allocated to the flat’s resident because that road has nowhere to park.”

The proposal was seconded by Councillor Kanji with all councillors in favour of the decision.

The pub is currently open.

Landlord of the Clifton Hotel, Fiona Rodriguez, said there is a chance the pub could continue if it is supported by the local community.

She added: "Unless people use it they will lose it."

She explained the owner of the planning permission will begin converting the pub after they finish trading.

She added: "We do need the custom to help support the last pub in the Grove and local bands we try to put on."