A FORMER Wimborne nightclub is to be converted to eleven flats.

Dorset Council has approved the change of use for the first floor site at East Street-Eastbrook Row. A salon and commercial premises on the ground floor will not be affected by the changes.

Developers Sabrecore Holding Ltd says the change will involve some internal alterations for the apartments and associated cycle and bin stores, although will not affect the ground floor commercial properties.

The upper floor was previously used by The Club, which dates back to the early 1990s and has been vacant for a number of years, the company previously running it being legally dissolved in January 2021.

The site lies within the town conservation area although the 1970s building is said to not be typical of the area.

The developers say they aim to create eight one-bed flats and three two-bed, all greater than minimum space standards, which would involve some minor works to the building entrance but largely leave the outside as it now is.

The application was first submitted to Dorset Council in December 2022 but has been delayed by a series of requests for additional reports and information.

Wimborne town council did not object to the changes although expressed disappointment over a lack of parking and also questioned the means of fire escape.

A sole comment from a resident also queried the means of fire escape and doubted if there would be sufficient space on the site for 26 waste bins, adding that the additional homes would add to the pressure on the sewage systems.

No objections to the changes were received from public health or the council’s building control team with a note added to the planning consent that fire escape would be dealt with under building regulations, which is separate to the planning process.