FOUR apartments could be created under and above two Dorchester town centre shops.

The property, a listed building opposite the Town Pump, in Cornhill is currently used by a camera shop with an empty café next door.

The café used to operate a basement bar, also using the full width of the two properties on the upper floors.

A planning application to Dorset Council proposes retaining the shop units and converting the rest of the building to flats – together with the demolition of a 1960s flat roofed extension to the rear.

Access to the homes would be via a new door between the existing two commercial units which would be combined to create one unit.

Architects acting for the owner says the changes will remove much of the unsympathetic internal alterations which have taken place over the years, including a flat roof extension, and preserve the historic features which remain, protecting the property and enhancing the town centre Conservation Area.

Dorchester town council's planning committee have not objected to the proposals but have expressed concern about the likely lack of natural light for the basement flat.

Full details of the application remain open for public comment and can be viewed on the Dorset Council website, using the reference P/FUL/2024/06041 : 2 Cornhill Dorchester DT1 1BA.

Pic – The listed Dorchester Cornhill property being proposed for conversion to apartments – while retaining the ground floor commercial space.

(Pic 1 shows the Town Pump in addition to the property.)