ANOTHER Weymouth pub could be lost if a new homes plan gets the go-ahead.

An application has been put forward to transform the Waverley Arms in Abbotsbury Road into six homes.

Applicant and owner The Derby Pub Company claims the Waverley is not viable as a pub and suggests the most suitable use for the site is residential.

The change of use proposal if agreed would see the pub converted to provide three flats on the ground floor and three flats on the first. The garage at the back would be demolished and replaced by a bin and cycle storage shed.

A viability report submitted with the planning application to Weymouth and Portland Borough Council says the 'dated' pub has apparently struggled for a number of years. It says significant investment would be required to turn it around including fitting a new kitchen and providing disabled facilities. It also mentions two pubs nearby (The Rock and Admiral Hardy) which would comfortably fill the gap if the Waverley was closed.

The 'substantial' Waverley Arms, which includes two bars, billiards room, function room and accommodation upstairs including former letting rooms, is housed in a mock Tudor-style building dating from the 1930s.

The applicant states in its report the property is in need of 'significant repair and upgrading'.

The Waverley was put on the market earlier this year with the benefit of an earlier planning permission to refurbish the pub and convert upstairs to create three flats.

No-one has come forward wishing to run it as a pub. One offer has been received but this is subject to planning permission for a change of use to residential.

Weymouth has seen the loss of a number of pubs in recent years including the Albert Inn at Wyke Regis and the Ferrybridge. The Duke of Cornwall in the town centre called last orders in the run up to last Christmas.

Chairman of West Dorset branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Dave Harris said although the Waverley is not on the group's radar as it is not a real ale pub, he said it would be a shame to see another pub closed.

Pubs are closing at a high rate – about 20 a week nationally, he said.

Mr Harris: "Groups can try to get pubs recognised as an asset of community value to give them more protection. We have attempted to do this before with Weymouth pubs.

"It's not something we would do with the Waverley but that doesn't mean other local groups can't try."