COUNCILLORS are to press ahead with plans to convert the Weymouth harbourmaster's listed office building into flats.

Three stories of the 19th century premises on Custom House Quay will be turned into luxury accommodation under the proposals, which were agreed by members of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council management committee.

The move, which is still subject to planning permission, would see harbourmaster Captain David Stabler, whose staff currently occupy the first floor, moving down to refurbished ground floor premises.

Committee members dismissed concerns that Capt Stabler's job would be compromised as a result of the change.

They unanimously agreed a recommendation to sell the building to a developer and lease the ground floor back for 125 years. Enhanced CCTV coverage of the harbour would be provided and improve on current visibility, councillors heard.

New reception, shower and toilet facilities would also comply with new disabled access legislation, which came into force at the start of this month.

The harbour offices are currently accessible only by staircase, while the upper two floors of the four-storey building are currently unused.

Doug Hollings said councillors had a duty to make maximum use of council buildings.

"The proposal gives the harbour master improved surveillance with CCTV, and ensures that disabled people have quality access," he said.

Coun Mike Goodman said the money released from the sale could be ploughed into affordable housing.

He said: "The fact that the harbourmaster may not be able to have a nice view is a minor penalty."

Council finance spokesman Howard Legg said it was not essential for the harbour staff to have a view of the harbour, merely that they should be central to the harbour.

Engineering and harbour services manager Martyn Gallivan said harbour staff did have reservations about the move, as they would end up with smaller accommodation.

But he said: "We will be able to carry out port safety adequately from the new premises."

Addressing the committee beforehand, Coun Peter Farrell claimed the move would seriously impair the harbourmaster in his job, adding that decisions like this should be made from the 'bottom-up rather than the top down'.

Coun Farrell added: "The people who matter haven't been asked. There are grave concerns about the impact this will have."

Capt Stabler was unavailable for comment.