BRIDPORT'S oldest non-religious building has been put up for sale by West Dorset District Council - who now want to explore its former uses.

The council has put the Chantry on South Street, which dates back to 1253, for sale as a private residence through estate agents Humberts, for a guide price of £450,000.

But now the council is trying to establish a certificate of lawfulness to prove it has been in residential use so no planning application for change of use would be needed.

At their meeting on Monday (30th) Bridport Town councillors were considering what evidence there was for previous uses.

Town clerk Bob Gillis said the a certificate of lawfulness was based solely on fact.

He said: "If this committee wanted to make any comments on this they should be factual on previous uses.

"The Chantry has been open for Dorset Architecture Heritage Week which means it is open to the public from 1998 to 2007 and then again 2010 to 2016.

"Also Bridport Museum Heritage walks have always taken people to the Chantry

Committee chairman Sarah Williams said it was owned at one time by Bridport Borough Council and rented out.

She said: "We have always said it would be a shame if access was denied to this important historical building."

The hope was that the National Trust should buy it but it was not interested, she said.

Cllr Dave Rickard said: "When West Dorset took it over they didn't want to look after it and it was was handed over to the Vivat Trust and the condition of that that it was open to the public.

"So I think that makes a difference as to whether they can sell it freehold.

"It was a holiday let and not a residence with public access at least two days a year if not more, so I would say they need planning permission for a change of use."

Mr Gillis said: "Prior to the building being marketed, meetings were held of interested local groups and there was support for community-run options and if possible, for the building to be retained for the community with public access.

"However, in the time available and funding issues, it has not as yet been possible to produce a viable community option."

Martin Bowen-Ashwin, director of Humberts, described the building as "very special".

He said: "It is a fantastic property. I have been in the business for 32 years and it is one of the most impressive properties to come on the market in the last 20 years in Bridport."

As yet there has only been one, very low offer, on the building said Humberts.

The Grade II* Listed building was used as a priest's house for a large part of its history. Originally known as "Dungeness", is thought to have been used as a defence to the town.

During the 13th century, it may have been used as a toll house when vessels from Bridport Harbour sailed up the river Brit and paid a toll to unload goods at the quay.

The south elevation shows evidence of a flaming torch housed in a projecting stone, which may have guided craft to a landing point.