OFFICES will be created from a former Duchy of Cornwall farm building at Poundbury.

Planning consent has been granted for the changes at the former barn, which has been un-used for decades.

It had been sealed off with security fencing after youngsters started playing there.

The building has remained un-used since the Poundbury development began in 1993 and, according to residents, probably twenty years before that.

The building, made of red brick with a tiled roof and open bays, was used for storing agricultural machinery, and is one of the few original farm buildings which have not been converted to other uses.

The planning proposal includes a large amount of glazing and the external walls being built up, adding a mezzanine floor to create extra usable space.

The commercial unit will include several smaller private offices, toilets, storage and two large open office spaces, one located on the ground floor and one the mezzanine floor. Access to the proposed commercial unit will be via large double doors on the south side of the building.

The site is at the Middle Farm Business Centre, Middle Farm Way, close to a vets' practice and a dental laboratory. The area is named after the original farm south of the road.

Poundbury ward councillor Richard Biggs said he will be pleased to see the building brought back into economic use. Dorchester Town Council had raised no objection to the plans.