A FORMER pub could be set to get a fresh lease of life – and bring a boost to Portland.

An application has been lodged to transform the Portland Roads Hotel – currently a house of multiple occupation (HMO) – into residential accommodation for schools and young people.

Residents are being invited to have their say on the proposals, and comments can be submitted on the Dorsetforyou planning portal by June 9.

The company behind the plans is the New Forest Outdoor Centre, based in Lyndhurst.

Joint owner of the company Robert Crates said there is currently no provision for visiting schools to stay on the isle.

He added: “We think Portland is a stunning location, for its natural and geological history and for its outdoor activities. It’s the perfect base for school residential trips.”

While all plans are subject to permissions being granted by the borough council, Mr Crates said he envisions students aged 10 and upwards visiting the centre, both for outdoor activities and field studies, from cities such as London, Bristol, and further afield.

The company also runs Brenscombe Outdoor Centre in Corfe Castle and Mr Crates said having such accommodation can bring a boost to the area, as well as benefitting the youngsters.

“We are real believers in the power of outdoor activities for personal growth, giving young people the opportunity to experience new activities in a safe environment.

“You have things like the D-Day Museum in Castletown now, which is directly opposite, and I imagine most groups will be visiting there and other places such as Portland Castle and Osprey Leisure Centre.”

Work is underway to transform the area of Castletown, with the newly opened D-Day Museum just one part of a wider project to rejuvenate the area with tourist attractions and business facilities planned to create a ‘gateway’ to the island.

The application states: “The building has been neglected for a number of years with the ground floor being used as informal storage space. The first and second floor rooms have been used as separate bedsits.

“The change of use will enable groups of young people to stay on Portland and use the building as a base from where they will participate in adventure activities and field studies. Portland has outstanding features for geological, geographical and environmental field studies and these same features provide opportunities for adventurous outdoor activities.”