Part of an historic town centre building in Dorchester is to be used for a dog washing and grooming business.

Dorset Council has now agreed a change of use for the 50 square metre premises, once almshouses, to Mrs Katrarzyna Kachel. The unit is at Nappers Court off South Street,

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

Plans for the premises show four wash bays which an application form says can be used on a self-service basis or undertaken by the business. A dog grooming bench is also shown and the business plans to sell pet food and accessories and says it will be to open 10am to 6pm from Monday to Saturday.

A Dorset Council planning officer report said: "The change of use to a rare or even unique dog washing and grooming (Sui Generis) use, would compliment, rather than detract from the broader retail offering in Dorchester, with possible trips linked to a shopping or other activities in the town centre."