PLANS to transform a disused industrial building into a music venue have been halted.

Meryn Ashford, who owns the Beach and Barnicott bar and restaurant on South Street, had applied to West Dorset District Council for permission to turn a building at St Michael's Trading Estate into a music venue.

Mr Ashford told the News that the project would have been a short-term venture and noise would have been contained inside the building by constructing a soundproof ‘acoustic box’, installed as a stage at the venue. But following negative comments from residents, Mr Ashford has decided to withdraw the application.

He said: "We have decided not to proceed with our application for change of use.

"We have taken into consideration the strength of feeling this proposal has generated and re-assessed the situation."

Dozens of residents voiced their concerns about the project.

Andrew MacGillivray said: "Given that the venue is in close proximity to a residential area, and that the major routes there and home are through residential areas also, then potentially up to 100 people could be disturbed in the early hours.

"This would be for the enjoyment of only a few more, who are already well served in Bridport's other entertainment and drinking establishments. I do not see that the potential benefits outweigh the disturbances to local residents."

The project also gained the backing of local residents.

Martin Davies said: "Bridport has lost so many venues over the years.

"We have a unique music and arts scene for a small town - as a born and bred local, I am very proud of this. However, we have been struggling to keep this afloat for decades - a development of this type would be a great addition to the area.

"Bridport is a living, breathing town which is not just a place to build new retirement homes. If you live in a town centre, you need to accept a bit of noise - not that the noise would be particularly noticeable looking at the plans."

Hayward and Co, who owns St Michael's Trading Estate, will submit plans in the next few months to redevelop the business and industrial zone.