A FORMER youth service offices in North Square, Dorchester could be altered to create two flats with the ground floor continuing in use for a shop or office.

The Routes office, on the corner of North Square and Colliton Street, was shut more than two years ago as a result of a funding cuts.

Since then the listed building, which is within the conservation area, has remained empty.

A planning application to Dorset Council requests changes to the building to create two one-bed flats. It follows a previous application which was withdrawn after criticism by the council’s conservation officer.

The new application says that those comments have been taken on board and only minor changes are now being proposed to the exterior of the building with existing internal features being retained.

Said an agent’s report: “It is considered that the proposed works would safeguard the special historic and architectural interest of 5 North Square, Dorchester, and the special character and appearance of Dorchester Conservation Area and would be consistent with both national and local planning policies.

“The proposals would support appropriate and viable uses of the building promoting investment into the upkeep and continued positive use of the building that contributes to the built heritage of the town.”

Comments on the application are open until April 12th with a decision expected to be made by a council planning officer.

For more than 20 years Routes offered information, advice and guidance to the county’s young people initially supported by the Dorset County Council Youth Service and Social Services, West Dorset District Council, the Primary Care Trusts, the Connexions service and other charities.

During its time the service provided support for an estimated 6,000 young people in times of crisis using three-stage approach; initial assessment and practical intervention, ongoing practical and emotional support and finally help with moving on to education, employment, training or volunteering. The number of young people attending the centre dropped in the final year of operation, partly as a result of raising the school leaving age to 18 and the introduction of other services.

The building was shared with other services for young people in its later years, run mainly by the Dorset Youth Association. At its peak it had 10 staff delivering services including mental health support, drug and alcohol advice, housing advice, a Connexions service, a young parents group, pregnancy and sexual health services, and the Fresh Start programme along with others.