Council support plans for new art gallery in town

Under the proposal submitted to Dorset Council, a former children’s nursery in West Street that has been empty for five years could be transformed into a house and public gallery.

At a town council committee, councillors unanimously voted to support the proposal, on the grounds that it would be a positive step to open up the building to the public once more.

Dorset Council will have the final say on the application.

(Image: Google Maps) As previously reported, the plans will transform the listed building, formerly Sunny Days Nursey, into a four-bedroom home.

The ground floor will be used as a public art gallery, with the residential plans spanning the first and second storeys.

Councillors outlined that a former application was already discussed with the town council previously, but has since been revised to include the public art space in line with the additional home.

Other revisions include adding a downstairs shower room and having one less bedroom on the first floor.

The planning application was submitted to Dorset Council by Sarah Miles, from Yeovil, and if approved will be called ‘Lily Art Gallery’.

(Image: Chloe Boden) Cllr Sarah Carney, representing the West Bridport and Allington ward, said at the meeting: “[Previous plans] didn’t mention an art gallery before. We supported the change to residential use. We were hoping that it would be flats.”

Changes will be made to the metal framed windows, doors and external brick wall but much of the materials, including the slate roof, will be reinstated with materials to match the original architecture. Room for an extra parking space will also be made.

Jonathan Smith, of Queens Road, who commented on the application, said  it was a ‘well presented application’ and that the ‘building has become an eyesore, we ask the planning officers [to] fully support.’

Cllr Ian Bark, who chaired the meeting on Monday, supported the decision, in light of the recent closure of other galleries in the town recently.

He said: “If this brings it back into use long term, that is a positive step.”

Councillors voted unanimously to support the application which is open to public comment until September 19.