Dorchester Civic Society has raised a concerns over plans for new signs to be erected at the former Judge Jeffreys Lodgings, which is now a restaurant.

The society argues that one of the proposed signs, on a planter at first floor level "will detract from the character of this important listed building" in High Street West.

With the exception of the planter, the society has welcomed the improvement in the condition of the historic building, which it says could still be renovated further.

Until it was taken over by restaurant Al Molo, there had been widespread concern about the state of the building, with Dorset Council asked to intervene at one point.

The Italian restaurant, which moved from the former pier at Weymouth to Dorchester town centre, is requesting planning permission for new signs and other changes internally at the iconic black and white timbered building.

The building used to be known as Judge Jeffreys Lodgings as the infamous 'hanging judge' was said to have resided there, responsible for the bloody assizes in the town when hundreds of opponents of the King were sentenced to death. In total, 251 rebels were given the death penalty by Judge Jeffreys, with 74 ultimately carried out.

Al Molo has requested permission for several signs and a menu display board on the exterior of the grade I listed building, as well as alterations inside.

It says that the new signs, either side of the front door, would be chrome and black, and similar to those used when the building was run by national restaurant chain Prezzo.

Two planters, bearing the company name, are proposed for the ground and first floor, with a new projecting hanging sign to sit at first floor level, close to the original sign which bears a portrait of Judge Jeffreys.

Other changes are being proposed to some areas of internal decoration to restore beams and to remove red paint from a feature fireplace in a rear room.

Changes are also expected to be made to the upstairs kitchen, a heating system to flats above the restaurant, and to tackle damage caused by damp to some sections of plaster, all in areas which are out of view of restaurant guests.

Public comments can be made on the application until June 9 via the Dorset Council website.

Pic – Judge Jeffreys in High West Street, Dorchester

Illustrations – Proposed signs for front door

Proposed planter with company name