A FORMER Weymouth restaurant could be turned into two flats under new plans.

The building which was most recently The Loft restaurant on Custom House Quay in Weymouth will be transformed of the proposals is approved.

The building is a Grade II listed building within the Weymouth conservation area.

The ground floor and first floor are currently occupied by the Harbour Master but the second and third floor currently remain vacant.

In 2011, the floors were converted into a restaurant - then The Stable and subsequently The Loft in 2023.

READ MORE: The Stable in Weymouth closes

However, The Loft closed after nine months and the property has remained empty ever since.

Initially, The Loft had issues with its licence to sell alcohol, during which time it asked customers to 'bring their own booze' until it could solve the issue.

READ MORE: Crustacean and The Loft restaurants in Weymouth close

The owners of the building have now applied for a change of use.

The bar area on the second floor will be removed to make way for a two-bedroom apartment. 

On the third floor, toilet facilities would be stripped out and two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms would be constructed.

The refurbishment will also involve the alteration of studwork to create two new bedrooms and living accommodation on each of the floors and the replacement of a sash window on the first floor.

Paul Appleby, Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce President said he was "surprised" to hear the unit could become flats instead of another restaurant.

He said: "That part of the harbour is so beautiful, it is such a shame that eateries have struggled.

"It is about as well set up as you could get for a business.

"But businesses there face the same pressures as any other business with the costs of rent, energy, business rates and staffing increases.

"I am surprised because it is such a prime location for any business that could have made it work.

"It is a shame, but if it does become flats then what an amazing place to live and I am sure it will be very highly sought after."

Members of the planning and licensing committee at Weymouth Town Council had no objections to the plans.

The final decision on the plans will be made by Dorset Council.