THE oldest building in Bridport could be sold by the council and used for housing.

West Dorset District Council will sell The Chantry on South Street for up to £450,000 in order to generate "a significant capital receipt" - and could submit a planning application for the building to be used as a single home.

The building dates back to 1253, and was used as a priest's house for a large part of its history. The Grade II* Listed three-storey building features three bedrooms and a front and rear garden.

The district council took over the Chantry in 1974 from Bridport Municipal Borough Council. The building was let in 1985 to the Vivat Trust, which specialises in holiday lettings, with a 99-year lease. The trust went into liquidation last year, and the district council took possession.

The council's estates surveyor Bill Wilberforce, said: "There is no financial basis for retaining ownership of this property.

"Its sale would generate a significant capital receipt which could be used to generate a greater income from other more secure investments than could be obtained from letting this property."

He added: "The property has been inspected and valued for sale on the open market by estate agents and, owing to the specialist nature of this property coupled with its unusual location, their views with regard to guide prices ranged from £395,000 to £450,000. It is therefore suggested that offers be invited in excess of £400,000 with the level of interest determining how the negotiations and final price is concluded."

Members of Bridport Town Council's plans committee, said it "would have been nice" to have been asked about the plans.

Cllr Dave Rickard said: "They refused to even accept a request for a month or six months for an appraisal for which option we would like to see happen to it.

"There was never any suggestion we would take over its ownership - however, being asked would have bee nice."

Bridport town clerk, Bob Gillis, said: "We have previously been notified when buildings have been up for disposal and at least seeing an option for it being viable for us.

"Some groups may come forward but it is the case of making it financially viable."