NINE extra flats will be added to a Weymouth town centre building – with a small shop unit converted to a bin and bike store.

Dorset Council has approved the changes to Brenda Dench House in St Mary Street.

It will involve extending and altering the building, including constructing new floor space at second and third floors levels and adding 70cm to the height of the building to bring it closer in line with taller buildings adjacent to the site.

The existing roof pitch on the south side will also increase with new windows added and security gates installed at either end of the ground floor arcade to improve safety for residents when the businesses are not open.

There had been past complaints about the area being used as a toilet and for drug-taking and street drinking.

A small shop unit at 36 Maiden Street, to the rear of the block, will be altered to become part of the new  residential development – providing space for a bin and bicycle store. There had been complaints about the existing bin store which is under the stairwell, leading to smells for those entering the flats.

Dorset Echo: Artist impression of the building with extra storey addedArtist impression of the building with extra storey added

The application came from Wimborne-based Titchfield Investments Ltd which currently has six shop units on the ground floor and nine flats on the first and second floors. The changes will lead to the loss of the smallest shop unit but improve the space, security and layout for the flats while at the same time doubling the number.

Weymouth Town Council raised no objection to the changes but said it was disappointed no affordable accommodation would be included in the scheme.

Dorset Echo: Side view of the building Side view of the building

Dorset Council ward councillor Jon Orrell also welcomed the changes which he said would improve a run-down building.

The site owners say they will also update existing shop frontages as part of the development and instal new surfaces in the arcade. The development is named after a former town mayor. It had previously been called Market House to mark the fact that an historic market once stood on the site.

The existing building was badly damaged by fire in 2013.