CONCERNS have been raised that a 'historic and unique' former pub - believed to be the only intact example of a 17th century coach house in Weymouth - has been altered without planning permission.

As reported, owners of the former Swan Inn at number 567 Dorchester Road are seeking legal acknowledgement to legitimise changes to the building, in respect of planning laws which state enforcement action cannot be taken after a four-year period.

The pub ceased trading around 2004 and changed hands two years later. Planning permission was granted for the Upwey Grade II listed building to be converted into a family home in 2007, but expired after works did not get under way.

Instead, a series of internal changes were made so the family could live there and rent out part of the building - splitting it into three separate dwellings - a three-bedroomed flat over the former public house, a one-bedroomed flat to the rear, and a three-bedroomed house in the annexe.

Last month Weymouth Town Council's Planning and Licensing committee was asked to comment on the changes - but members said they could not do so due to a lack of information.

Since then the agent has been in touch to confirm the situation - and the issue was debated again at the town council's most recent planning committee meeting. Members expressed concerns that the work had apparently been carried out under the radar.

"It's a very interesting and historical building," said Councillor Graham Winter. "It's totally unique and probably the last virtually intact example of a 17th to 18th century coaching inn left in Weymouth. There's also evidence that there may well have been a hostelry there as early as the 15th century.

"I am concerned that the work has been carried out to the Grade II listed building without any regard to building regulations, listed building status - and in fact, without anyone's knowledge - according to the documentation."

He added: "As far as the outside's concerned, nothings's happened - the fascia has just been allowed to deteriorate. According to the photographs, what's gone on inside looks alright - but I'm concerned that a listed building has been messed around with, without anybody taking any notice, or building regulations followed.

"Personally I would like to see the front refurbished, period windows reinstated, and internal works inspected to make sure historical features are retained.

"The redundant pub area also ought to be refurbished as that's just left redundant - it's a historically important and unique building and that should be celebrated."

Councillor Christine James said: "I recall this coming to committee years ago - we did a site visit but we weren't told of the historical value - that should be preserved."

"I've had a had a look at it and agree it has historical value - I've got major reservations as well," agreed councillor Jan Bergman.

"It's a very difficult one - we're being asked to agree something that's been happening for more than 10 years," councillor Winter added. "But locals are asking 'what's happening to the Swan?' - Well a lot has been happening to the Swan - but where on Earth has the (Planning) conservation officer been? Do we even have a conservation officer - and if not - why not? We used to when the borough (of Weymouth and Portland) was in existence - obviously that's history... it puts us in a very difficult position as we're effectively bound to agree to (building changes.)"

Councillor Winter - who lived nearby whilst the building was still in use as a pub - is now calling for investigations to be carried out by Dorset Council's Planning team, and said he wants to see the 'complex' building renovated in respect of its uniqueness within the town.

"I don't know what clout, if any, the town council has to get a conservation officer to check it out," he added. "I'm not objecting to the three dwellings as such - it's the fact nobody's been told about the work, and that it's been overlooked despite its importance to the town.

"Dorset Council can probably ignore what we say anyway - but if we make the point that it's a unique listed building and we object to granting the permissions until a proper assessment has been done by the conservation officer - that's within our remit. Whether anybody takes any notice is another thing."

Councillor David Harris proposed a motion, which was unanimously supported, calling for a full report to be carried out by Dorset Council before the town council registers a comment in response to the application. The final say, however, rests with Dorset Council.