SECOND World War buildings near Weymouth are being pressed into service again - as holiday homes.

A recent planning consent in the Ringstead/Upton area has been for the conversion of a former RAF store building.

Next in line for conversion is a radar bunker – provided Dorset Council agrees.

Dorset Echo:

The former bunker is off the Ringstead Dairy access road, partly hidden by trees, near Pitt Cottage.

It, like the other building, was used in conjunction with the RAF radar installations which looked out over the sea for enemy aircraft in association with RAF Warmwell, providing a base for fighter pilots nearby.

The conversion to a two-bed holiday let has won the approval of the parish council which says it would be a good use for the old building.

Councillor Nigel Williams said: “This proposed sympathetic conversion of a dilapidated Second World War radar bunker represents a masterstroke of conservation of a slice of our local history at Ringstead, while at the same time permitting others to benefit from staying there.

“Looking out, it will have stunning views of the bay and will barely be seen by anyone else in the surrounding area.”

The structure, which was built in 1939, was one of Churchill’s ‘chain home’ series of bunkers.

Architects say there will be little alteration to the outside of the bunker although the interior will be converted to provide two bedrooms, a living area, kitchen/utility, bathroom and terrace.

“The proposed development presents a unique opportunity to repair, sensitively restore and repurpose a historic structure into a guest accommodation for the use and enjoyment of local and wider population who will be able to appreciate and celebrate its wartime history,” said their application.

The nearby former RAF building, at Westdown Farm, Upton, dating from the same era, has been granted permission for conversion into a holiday home.

The site is said to have remained almost unchanged since it was established as an RAF camp during the Second World War, supporting anti-aircraft guns and searchlights mounted on the cliffs above Ringstead.

The wartime shed can now be converted into a single storey holiday home with two small bedrooms, a lounge and a kitchen/dining area.

The site is not visible from Upton Lane because of existing hedges and mature hedgerow trees.