THE TOWN council has backed plans to redevelop Bridport Arts Centre - despite a storm of opposition from staff and local residents.

Bridport Town Council’s plans committee offered no objection to the art centre’s plans for listed building consent in order to carry out internal work. The proposals, if approved by West Dorset District Council, would include replacing the Art Garden Café with offices, while the cafe would be moved to a space opposite the current offices.

A host of residents and café staff members spoke at Monday’s meeting, voicing concern at plans to move the cafe from its current location in a former Wesleyan chapel schoolroom.

Matt Hart has worked at the café for 20 years.

He said: “It has always been a public space.

“It has always been available to the people of Bridport. It’s a beautiful room with an integral garden.

“Commercially, I think it’s a travesty.”

Debbie Legge, who has also worked at the café - described the area as “one of the most beautiful spaces in Bridport”.

She said: “I can’t think of a worse way of using one of the most beautiful spaces in Bridport than as offices. I just find it unbelievable.

“I also think it’s going to be an incredible waste of money.”

Director of Bridport Arts Centre Laura Cockett, said the current building is “not fit for purpose”.

She said: “The arts centre has never had any significant capital investment. The current layout and condition of the building is no longer fit for purpose in the 21st century.

“The arts centre now urgently needs this work to create a modern fit for purpose venue that can meet the demands of its many users and help us to welcome diverse visitors and to deliver a high quality cultural programme for the people of Bridport.”

Arts centre trustees have submitted amended plans for the refurbishment after seeking advice from listed building officers.

Cllr Julian Jones, said: “It’s a real dilemma.

“The future of the art centre is crucial so I have to come around to the thinking that sadly we have to go with that proposal.”

Cllr Anne Rickard, said: “People who are working there six days a week are entitled to some good space.

“The design has to work with planning law. I’m sure this has been thought about and thought about very hard.”

Cllr Dave Rickard was concerned asking the plans to be changed could “put the project in jeopardy” as Lottery funding must be spend during this financial year.

Councillors agreed they would make no objection to the plans.

Leader of the council, Cllr Sarah Williams, said: “I very much hope the second phase comes in so the café will be back into the school room again and we will have an even larger café and an even better community space.

“That is what we have got to hope for.”

Members of the public have until Saturday to comment on the proposals at dorsetforyou.com