THE problems of late-night drinking in the centre of Bridport could worsen with the closure of the town's only nightclub.

The loss of De'Vinchies in West Bay Road could lead to more anti-social behaviour in the heart of the town, Coun Gill Fifield warned the plans committee.

Members agreed to oppose an outline application to close the club and build 14 flats and offices on the site.

They decided the scheme was over-development, would add to traffic dangers and deprive local young people of a valuable facility.

Coun Fifield said the application was presumably made for business reasons because the operators were finding the going tough.

She said the nightclub had caused problems and some residents in the area would welcome the change of use.

But she felt the proposal was over-development, would add to traffic dangers in the area, had inadequate parking and no element of affordable housing.

And the flats were likely to be bought as second homes by people who wanted 'a nice flat by the sea' rather than local young people.

Coun Richard Nicholls said parking was his chief concern - the 14 spaces planned for the development were only about half what was needed. He said the scheme would add to the town's traffic congestion, adding: "You can drive down the Marylebone Road quicker now than you can Bridport high street."

Mayor Geoff Ackerman said the town would lose an amenity: "but if they can't make it pay...."

Chairman Carole Murless said it was important to emphasise the threat to another facility for young people - the council had fought long and hard to save the town's snooker club.

"They did cause some problems in that area but the pubs in the town are a bigger problem," she said. "This is a very prominent site as you drive down to West Bay and I don't particularly like the design. It is over-development."

Comments on the application should be submitted in writing to West Dorset District council by no later than January 7.