Shire Hall is a step closer to becoming a state of the art heritage site.

The old crown court on High West Street in Dorchester has been granted planning permission which will allow for a number of developments, including the introduction of an exhibition installation.

Councillors approved an application at a West Dorset District Council planning committee meeting.

The application proposes to transform part of the building into an exhibition which will include signage and information, audio visual equipment, lighting, wall displays and tables and benches.

It is hoped the exhibition will allow visitors to easily navigate their way around the building while giving them key information about its history.

As well as this, plans to transform a number of the building’s rooms were accepted.

The development will see the staff/volunteer room within the current Cold War bunker become a store room, the tourist information centre become a staff room, and the AV store used as a kitchen area for staff.

The existing rear metal stairs and walkway will be retained and adapted and a partition wall will be added on the upper ground floor. There will also be changes and repairs to the dock stairs and an historic door is set to be developed to facilitate access by wheelchair users.

A report put before councillors called the application 'well detailed' and 'well considered.'

It states: "The proposed alterations to the building will sustain and enhance the significance of the building and will preserve the building and any features of special architectural or historical interest which it possesses.

"The alterations have been sensitively designed to have minimal impact on the historic fabric of the building whilst facilitating its proposed re-use. This has been achieved by a thorough understanding of the building's history and character which has informed the proposed alterations."

The conservation officer consulted on the application said it will help ‘evolve’ the historical building.

They said: “The application sets out the history and evolution of this important Listed Building within the Heritage and Design Statement and the rational for these amendments to an earlier approval.”

Councillors said they were 'happy' to agree to the application's approval.

Cllr Nigel Bundy said: "With the amount of work that has been going on. I am happy to see it done. I am quite happy to accept."

Cllr Robin Potter said: "I am happy to recommend this for approval.”

He added: "A lot of effort has been spent on the building and I am looking forward to it opening. It is very exciting for the town."

Shire Hall is set to open for visitors in March 2018 as a new historic courthouse museum, with a café and shop and an exciting programme of events.