A former Maiden Newton care home is to be converted to five flats and a house.

Planning consent for the change at Cheverells in Dorchester Road has been approved by Dorset Council.

The consent allows for the demolition of part of a single storey north extension.

It also says that before the scheme comes into use the agreed parking and turning arrangements have to be in place and maintained.

The home was closed in spring 2016 for ‘economic reasons’. It was being run by Altogether Care and at the time had 14 residents and around 20 staff. Its last Care Quality Commission report found the care offered at the home to be ‘good”.

Most of the staff were found other places to work within the group and the residents were transferred to other homes.

An environmental health officer had suggested revising the layout for the flats to reduce the chances of disturbance between them.