FORMER youth service offices in North Square, Dorchester could converted into homes.

A previous planning application, four years ago, asked for similar changes, but retained the commercial space on the ground floor.

The Routes office, on the corner of North Square and Colliton Street, was shut more than six years ago as a result of funding cuts.

Since then the listed building, which is within the conservation area, has remained empty.

The latest application seeks to convert the building into three flats and is expected to be decided by a planning case officer at Dorset Council unless local councillors press for the decision to go before a committee.

For more than 20 years Routes offered information, advice and guidance to the county's young people initially supported by the Dorset County Council Youth Service and Social Services, West Dorset District Council, the Primary Care Trusts, the Connexions service and other charities.

During its time the service provided support for an estimated 6,000 young people in times of crisis using three-stage approach; initial assessment and practical intervention, ongoing practical and emotional support and finally help with moving on to education, employment, training or volunteering. The number of young people attending the centre dropped in the final year of operation, partly as a result of raising the school leaving age to 18 and the introduction of other services.

The building was shared with other services for young people in its later years, run mainly by the Dorset Youth Association. At its peak it had 10 staff delivering services including mental health support, drug and alcohol advice, housing advice, a Connexions service, a young parent's group, pregnancy and sexual health services, and the Fresh Start programme along with others.