PLANS to convert a former military hospital in Dorchester into six homes may be re-considered.

The idea attracted objections when the housing scheme was first suggested for the historic building back in the spring.

The building, which dates from 1799, is on The Grove industrial estate and was previously used as offices.

Cllr Gareth Jones told the town council planning committee that the owner is now investigating the viability of converting the building to an ‘enterprise space’ which could be used for small businesses, sharing facilities.

The existing application for six apartments is still on the planning website and has not been decided by Dorset Council planners, although a decision was originally expected in the early summer.

The building is one of the few to remain intact from the days of the Maumbury Barracks. lt was originally part of the Royal Horse Artillery Barracks, built in 1799. and served the barracks and soldiers families until the mid 20th Century. It was later used by those held at the Prisoner of War camp in Dorchester – which, at its peak held 4,500 men.

Many of the buildings which had formed the barracks were sold to Royal Mail and Dorset County Council in the early 1960s.

The former military hospital is one of two Grade II listed buildings within the trading estate, the other being the former riding school which is now used by a carpet business and a cleaning company further up the hill.

An application to develop the former hospital comes from local businessman Mr Barry Crook who said originally that the conversion would help protect the building with minimal alterations to its external appearance.