A COMPANY wants to give a Bridport "villa" a new lease of life and provide accommodation in the town.

The Symondsbury Estate has applied to West Dorset District Council to refurbish Allington Court and provide accommodation for visitors and offer space for business events and conferences.

Members of Bridport Town Council's plans committee backed the proposals but raised concerns over a lack of parking at the Grade II listed building. The building, formerly known as Allington Villa, has been empty since October 2015. It was owned by Dorset County Council - and a previous bid to use it as a maternity home after the Second World War did not materialise. It was instead used as a clinic for outpatients until 1996.

Leader of the council, Cllr Sarah Williams, said: "I would have thought if you are using it for people to come to stay, I would like to see some parking on site.

"North Allington does get busy with parked cars. There would have to be a condition that there's parking spaces."

The Symondsbury Estate wants to used the building for corporate, business, leisure and tourism purposes.

A statement by Christopher Fearn on behalf of the company, said: "The building can be used for corporate events and seminars, also as a retreat running weekday and weekend courses with accommodation being provided.

"The building will have a fully functioning kitchen and two disabled suites that have a carer's room. The building can also be used as a large holiday let where a large and extended family can stay and the disabled suites can then accommodate grand parents who can enjoy the family activities and also have the option for their own quieter spaces.

"Craft courses and other day events could also be run from the property, providing employment opportunities for various local artists."

As part of the renovations, a roof will be put on an existing portacabin, situated to the rear of the site - while other internal alterations will take place, including the removal of a defective chimney, subject to approval.

St Swithin's Court resident Ken Burvill, said: "As this structure is directly opposite our bedroom we have concerns regarding noise pollution, as I don't feel that temporary guests using this as accommodation would have as much respect for neighbouring residences as a permanent occupier would.

"Due to the location of the porta-cabin being adjacent to the river, which has been known to flood very high after heavy rains, it would seem inappropriate to locate holiday accommodation in a potentially dangerous position."

The Environment Agency said it had no objection to the proposals but recommended measures be taken to protect the site from potential flooding.