A DERELICT toilet block on a Weymouth housing estate may get a new lease of life – as a kebab shop.

Plans have come forward to transform the run-down block at Littlemoor Shopping Centre.

Weymouth-based Klan (UK) Ltd has submitted a planning application to Weymouth and Portland Borough Council which proposes making alterations to the site to form a fast food takeaway, namely a kebab shop.

The council controversially closed the loos four years ago as part of cost-cutting measures and the block, which had been targeted by vandals, became an eyesore.

A campaign was launched to get them reopened which prompted the council to investigate sources of funding.

This was not successful and facing a £350,000 bill for refurbishment if it was to open them again plus annual maintenance costs, the council took the decision in 2012 to dispose of the facility.

Now a proposal has come forward to give the block off Littlemoor Road a new lease of life.

It has been welcomed by Littlemoor councillor Rachel Rogers, although she said she would continue to campaign to get toilets back in Littlemoor.

Cllr Rogers said: “Over the past three years I have tried my hardest to persuade the council of the need to reopen Littlemoor toilets but budgetary cuts have now made this practically impossible.

“In the interim, the toilets have become an eyesore and a health hazard and, as the campaign to reopen them seems to have run its course, I would look favourably on any venture that might bring the building back into use.

“There is, however, still a need for adequate toilet facilities in Littlemoor centre and I will continue to pursue this matter in any way possible.”

In its submission to the council the applicant says it intends to erect an extension to the front in line with the existing walls.

The property is to have a new door to the front with the internal walls removed to form more space to the cooking/preparation area. A toilet for staff is to remain.

The applicant adds: “The property is located adjacent to the existing shops of which some are in use as fast food takeaways. There is ample parking.”

The shop, which would employ three staff, intends to open 5pm-11pm seven days a week.

Anyone wishing to comment on the plan must do so by February 8.