A FORMER Dorchester Italian restaurant, well known for its authentic food and quirky underground dining area, is likely to be converted into a home.

La Caverna, in Icen Way, closed in September this year after the owners decided to retire after thirty years in business.

The building's owner, Mr Larry Penfold, is now asking for planning consent for a change of use for the ground floor from commercial use to residential – creating a one-bedroom flat with a kitchen and bathroom.

Caverna couple Franco and Alison Saluci held a 'yard sale' in their final week before closing the door for the last time.

They wrote on their social media page about their great sadness at the decision and thanked customers "for immense support over the last three decades."