THE former Portland Town Council offices look set to be turned into 12 flats.

The new owners of the building have submitted an application requesting approval for a change of use for the building in Fortuneswell.

It comes after Portland Town Council moved out of the building last year, and into new offices in Easton Street.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council paid Portland Town Council £50,000 to vacate the offices so the building could be sold.

A supporting statement provided by independent surveyors Ellis and Partners as part of the application reveals the plans would not include any alterations to the external layout as the layouts of the 12 one-bedroom flats will ‘work with the building to utilise existing window openings on all floors to provide natural light to all habitable rooms’.

The building is not listed, but it is in a conservation area and the application states that nothing is proposed which would alter how the building looks externally, or which would impact on the conservation area.

There would be no designated parking area for the flats, but an existing hardstanding area off the shared driveway will be used as a pickup and drop off point.

The statement adds: “The premises are located in a highly sustainable area within walking distance of a main bus route to Weymouth train station, giving easy access to Weymouth and Portland and the wider public transport network.

“Local amenities in Fortuneswell and the wider area of Underhill such as shops, pharmacies, restaurants, banks and pubs are also located within walking distance of the site.

“In conclusion we feel this development presents a great opportunity to provide a new residential development within the local defined development boundary, supported by both national and local planning policy.”

Portland Town Council has been consulted as part of the application, as well as Dorset County Council’s highways team and the Environment Agency. Responses have not yet been published.

Residents are also invited to have their say on the plans by March 9.