A WEST DORSET hotel could be reduced in size with two new homes built on the site for the family of the owner.

The Coach & Horses at South Perrott near Beaminster is asking Dorset Council to approve the changes.

The application says it will reduced the nine-bedroom hotel by four rooms, resulting in a loss of about one third of the existing space, just over 200 square metres.

The application also includes a retrospective extension of the existing drive to the rear of the building to create vehicle access and parking for Riverview Cottage.

The proposed houses at two and three-bed which, the application papers say, will be for the use of family members.

In a letter to the council John Harris says the Coach and Horses was acquired by the family in 1993 and at the time had no letting rooms, no garden and did not offer food. Its trade was based on skittles and darts which, over the years, declined.

He tells how, despite improvements, trade continued to drop leading to the family now planning to reduce the size of the hotel and to create homes for them to live on the site.

Comments on the proposals can be made to Dorset Council until September 29th.