LYME Regis councillors will no longer resist plans to save the Three Cups as a hotel.

Lyme Regis Town Council laid down a list of demands earlier this month over the future of the grade II-listed building.

The authority has now backtracked on some of its decisions over fears it will prejudice the council during the planning process and delay the redevelopment.

Councillors originally insisted that owner Palmers Brewery re-opens the Three Cups as a hotel and provide holiday accommodation, and not overdevelop the rear courtyard and garden.

But these demands were overruled at last week's full council meeting.

Members did agree that the building and site should be brought back into use without further delay, the development should conserve the heritage of the building, and relevant bodies such as English Heritage should be consulted.

They also want pedestrian access from Broad Street to Langmoor Gardens.

Coun Anita Williams, chairman of the planning and highways committee, said she has taken advice on the predetermination of a planning application and feels it is an 'issue'.

Coun Michaela Ellis said: “I am also concerned about this council agreeing on any of this. We are closing the door on Palmers having any further meetings with us and I think this is a bad thing.”

Coun Mark Gage said Palmers is still open to discussion and a representative would be at the next strategy and policy committee meeting.

“The danger is that Palmers, because they are a business, will do what suits their business and that is not necessarily what is in the best interests of this town,” he said “We, as the elected representatives in this town, need to make a strong statement.”

Coun Daryl Turner said there has been 'no attempt' to find out what the whole community wants to happen to the building.

Coun Owen Lovell said: “Realistically the town wants that building back in use and whether it is as a hotel or as some accommodation, as we have seen in the Bay Hotel, you have great difficulty in stopping a property owner if they offer a place on the market turning it into self catering rather than beds because there is a presumption that the owner can do what they want with their own property.”

Coun Austin said: “It is our duty as elected members of this council to look at the effect on this community and to fight for it with passion.”

Campaigners from the Save the Three Cups as a Heritage Hotel group were disappointed that some councillors opposed the demands.

Chairman John Dover said to them: “Many Lyme residents, some of whom elected you, are now waiting for you to arrive at a final strong, clear and realistic set of policy recommendations before it is too late.”

Mr Dover said the issue of predetermination has been 'relaxed' by recent legislation and councillors should not be 'sidetracked' by the issue.

A spokesman for Palmers said: “Palmers are looking forward to showing everyone the more detailed proposals at the public consultation on June 13.”