A HISTORIC building has been likened to something from the Third Reich by councillors who said it should be flattened.

Members of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council's planning committee have blasted plans to convert Portland Town Council's offices in Fortuneswell into eight flats - but were forced to approve them anyway.

They said that the building is an eyesore' and too impractical to house people, as well as being located on a dangerous piece of road.

Councillor Margaret Leicester said: "This has to be one of the worst buildings I have ever come across.

"I can just see Hitler standing on that balcony.

"It is not listed so I would rather we razed the whole thing to the ground and came up with something more compatible with people's lives.

"We have no planning reasons to refuse this though, other than the fact that we as local people know and feel that it is not suitable for residential use."

The plan will involve Portland Town Council being accommodated on the lower ground floor of the building, with remaining areas set aside for small flats that are hoped to attract first-time buyers.

Coun John Nash said it was a bad idea, adding more dwellings along Portland's busiest road on a steep bend.

He said: "I'm dead against this application.

"I think we should knock the place down.

"It is an eyesore and the bend outside is the worst corner on the island.

"It's not the place for any more vehicles. It's a terrible spot.

"Crossing that road is deadly enough."

But committee members have been told they have no choice but to approve the plans, submitted by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council's property services.

Committee chairman Peter Farrell said the council would look stupid' refusing the plans which would lead to an appeal against itself.

Planning, economy and development manager Simon Williams said demolition of the Portland stone building was not an option because it dates back to the 1930s and is within a conservation area.

He said: "I am surprised by the reaction of members to this. It would be a loss to Portland's heritage if this happened."

"You may have your own views about whether this plan makes a particularly attractive environment but it is trying to meet housing needs."

Members reluctantly voted to approve the application.