CHANGES to a listed Weymouth seafront hotel have been refused – although it was accepted the changes should improve its viability.

The Warwick, at the Pavilion end of the road, had asked to demolish a single storey rear extension and replace it with another extension to include a roof terrace, together with some internal changes.

The application led to concerns, including from Historic England, which said that the alterations to the Custom House Quay side would be highly visible.

As part of Pulteney Buildings The Warwick is one of a terrace of 6 houses which dates from 1805.

“With the attached Devonshire Buildings, they form a striking ensemble on Weymouth seafront and the southern-most of a half mile long stretch of imposing and remarkably intact 19th century terraces,” said a report to Dorset Council from Historic England.

The organisation said that whilst the rear elevations of the buildings in the terrace have all been altered and extended, “the sense of continuity of materials and character remains legible and robust. The extensions to the rear of The Warwick appear relatively historic in character and do not detract from the slightly ad hoc yet picturesque character of this elevation. Whilst clearly the rear of the building, the south elevation is nonetheless highly visible.”

Agents acting for the owners say the changes proposed to the rear buildings would be an improvement. They argued that there is currently a mixture of styles, with extensions added over the years, none of which are fitting for the conservation area, or the main hotel building.

The agent says the changes will allow the rear area to be used “as a dwelling unit”.

Weymouth Town Council had not objected to the plans.

Dorset Council’s conservation officer was against the changes, saying there was no elements of the proposals which could be supported and the changes would give no benefit which could outweigh the harm to the historic building.

In refusing the application a case officer said that although the changes might improve the viability of the hotel “the introduction of steps and a front entrance and the part removal of the rear basement wall and window would have a harmful impact on the principal façade of the grade 2 listed building; the replacement extension lacks the necessary fine detailing and materials befitting the quality and character of the grade 2 listed building and the additional information provided is not sufficient to justify the proposed intervention into the principal façade of the grade 2 listed terrace.”