A DORCHESTER guesthouse is likely to be converted back to family residential use.

The owners of Aquila Heights, a long-established B&B in Maiden Castle Road have asked Dorset Council to approve the change of use.

The owners say they have tried to sell the 6-bedroom business with owner's accommodation, as a going concern since August 2023 with a number of agents, but were not successful.

The couple say they are planning to retire and would move to a smaller property, selling Aquila Heights – marketing it as an eight bedroom home over three floors with no changes to the building as it now exists.

A planning agent acting for the owners said: "The 14-month marketing campaign, which has been undertaken by multiple local agents, demonstrates that there is no market interest in acquisition or investment of the property for tourist accommodation. The fact that the owners have changed estate agents on three occasions shows that a real effort has been to retain the premises as tourist accommodation."

The agents argue that the change is likely to result in less traffic to and from the property, compared to guesthouse use which will be an improvement for neighbourig homes.

Dorchester Town Council has raised no objection to the change of use.