A TOWN centre building in Dorchester could become supported accommodation for teenagers.

A Weymouth-based private company hopes to convert the former estate agent’s office in High West Street into accommodation for those in the legal care of Dorset Council between the ages of 16 and 18.

A planning application says the building, next to the Westwood Hotel, will offer six bedrooms classed as ‘secure residential accommodation’ with separate staff accommodation; kitchen and training areas.

Those who are likely to live there will be helped towards leading an independent, adult life, most having previously lived with foster carers or in other supported accommodation.

Public comments on the proposal for 30 High West Street, a former Symonds and Sampson office, which comes from Whitehead-Ross Education, can be sent to Dorset Council’s planning team by September 27th using the reference 24/03842.

Other former offices in the street have already been converted into accommodation, or are in the process of changing uses.

The building, which is Grade 2 Listed and within the town’s Conservation Area, will remain much as it now appears externally with a rear access and a single parking space to the rear, on Princes Street.

Internal plans show six bedrooms, two for staff accommodation, all with showers and shared kitchenette spaces.

On the lower ground floor is a classroom with a new access to a rear courtyard, with the ground floor plans showing a second classroom, with an area marked as kitchen/communal area with a small cooking classroom off that.

Whitehead-Ross Education describes itself as an education and social welfare organisation delivering a variety of skills-related programmes and social services provision.

“Our programmes include support for unemployed individuals to retrain and secure jobs, vocational training programmes, adult education and social services provision, such as parenting support, young carers services and counselling,” it says in the planning application.

The company, which is based in Weymouth, says in the year until July 2023, its workforce of 126 staff supported more than 3,500 people on programmes in Cornwall, Dorset, Hampshire, South Wales, Sussex, Wiltshire and Kent and since the business started in 2012 has supported 11,493 individuals.

Its clients include the Department for Education, Ministry of Justice, Department for Work and Pensions, Welsh Government, and twelve local councils.

Of the Dorchester proposals it says: “Working in partnership with Dorset Council’s Director of Childrens Services and Head of Placements, we are planning to offer high-quality en-suite rooms for young people aged 16-18, providing a safe and supportive environment. A total of six en-suite rooms will be provided, supporting young people leaving the care system to take their first step into independent living. A member of staff will be present on site at all times.

“In addition to the six en-suite rooms, we plan to introduce two classrooms for our established adult community learning provision, which we have delivered on behalf of Dorset Council and BCP Council Skills and Learning since 2018. Our adult community learning provision provides a variety of vocational skills and Maths/English courses, enabling the general public to gain new qualifications at no cost.

“Our plans for High West Street will generate social value in the widest possible sense, helping individuals to gain new skills and qualifications, move into better paid jobs through in work progression, contribute to the skills development of the community and local economy, whilst supporting young people to transition into adulthood.”

Dorchester Town Council has raised no objection to the change of use for the building, commenting that it appreciates the proposal for onsite support.