TOWN councillors in Dorchester have raised no objection to converting a Prince of Wales Road Victorian villa – but want to see the front walls retained.

The Abbeyfield Society has asked permission to build a large extension to the rear of the property to provide 17 supported living units for elderly people.

The proposed work at Number 32 includes demolishing a 1990s’ single storey conservatory-style extension in the garden – replacing it with a modern building linked to the existing village via a glazed extension which would also provide living and dining space, directly accessible to the garden.

Other proposals include converting the existing large garage into a kitchen and adding a lift.

Members of the town council planning committee have welcomed the development but will insist that the front wall is retained.

Cllr Stella Jones said the building was in a conservation area and front brick-built walls were an important feature of the character of the road.

The application is currently open for public comments which can be made via the Dorset Council website, or in writing to the counc