A Dorchester Brewery Square site set aside for a hotel will now be converted to apartments.

The former Brewhouse was identified as a potential location for an up-market hotel when the Dorchester development was started on the former Eldridge Pope site.

But now developers are asking to convert the building, which overlooks the fountain area and shops, into 29 apartments with 32 parking spaces, together with additional commercial space.

Dorchester town council planning committee decided at their Monday evening (04/06) meeting not to object to the proposal for the Grade 2 listed building.

“It's a shame it won't be a hotel – but it is an acceptable use,” said planning committee chairman Cllr Robin Potter.

The application will include the addition of balconies to apartments to the side of the building, new openings and a new internal layout, including additional floors.

If approved the new development will have 9 one-bed apartments, 17 two-bed and three three-bed.

Comments on the proposal have to be with West Dorset District Council by Sunday, June 10.