THE TREND of converting business properties back to residential use in a busy Dorchester street is set to continue.

Two new planning applications seek to convert next-door offices, previously used by solicitors, to a dozen flats. Several other buildings in the street have already been converted to flats, or have planning permission to do so.

Originally their use would have been as grand town houses for wealthy families, but over the years evolved to office use.

The new proposals are for 52 and 53 High West Street, both Grade 2 listed buildings, and both for six one-bed flats.

The application for both buildings, previously owned by solicitors, comes from Citadel Landmark Ltd with an address in Cornwall Road, Dorchester. The application includes a request to carry out similar internal and external repairs and refurbishment to both buildings.

Parts of both date from the late 1600s although were remodelled in the 1800s.

For at least 50 years the buildings were used by by solicitors Lock, Reed and Lock who became Porter Dodson, moving to Poundbury in 2022.

Architects Crickmay Stark say the buildings, and others in the street, are evidence of changes which have taken place in the business world: “There is little (if any) requirement for office accommodation like this anymore. The post pandemic world has seen a permanent swing towards extensive remote working for many employees. In addition, faced with escalating energy bills and crippling maintenance costs businesses that do require a town presence are looking for non-Listed properties that are cheaper to run. With particular regard to Dorchester such premises are readily available, with good parking, on Poundbury.”

Internally both buildings are linked via a first floor staircase, to allow the solicitors who owned the freehold of both buildings, to use both of the premises together, although from the outside appearing as two, separate, buildings.

Public comments on the proposed changes remain open until mid-September, with the full details available on the Dorset Council website - P/FUL/2024/03933 for 52 High West Street Dorchester and P/FUL/2024/03935  for 53.

Pic – Former neighbouring solicitors offices in High West Street Dorchester, once grand town houses, now likely to be converted back to homes.