WEYMOUTH'S former Royal Navy hotel could be turned into a hostel for ex-offenders if a controversial planning application is given the go ahead.

The old Province of Natal Hotel, in Greenhill, was run for naval servicemen for 50 years until it closed down last year because lack of support.

Now the building near Weymouth seafront could be turned into a hostel for ex-offenders just released from Verne, Weare and Dorchester prisons.

But the president of Weymouth Hotel and Catering Association, Keith Salmon, said today that he and his members would fight the bid all the way.

He said: "The old Province of Natal Hotel is in a prime site virtually on the seafront and close to other hotels and residential areas. I appreciate that we do need to find accommodation for people who are coming out of prison, but I do not feel that this is the right place. The Weymouth Hotel and Catering Association will be fighting this."

The former Province of Natal has been bought by Providers of Accommodation and Support Ltd, a private company that runs similar hostels across the south - including one in Carlton Road South, Weymouth.

Planning consultant Mike Kelly, who recently submitted the planning application on behalf of Providers of Accommodation and Support, said: "The old Province of Natal will provide supported accommodation for up to 18 ex-offenders who have been identified by the probation service as vulnerable and in need of supported accommodation.

"The project will be run as a dry house, which means that no drugs or alcohol will be permitted. Referrals will be through the probation service, many of whom will be on licence or under a treatment order. This means some may be recalled to prison immediately if they default on their behaviour. This means there is a huge incentive to remain free from drugs and crime."

Mr Kelly insisted that if the hostel gets the go-ahead from Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, the scheme would not be importing problems into the area. He said: "All ex-offenders who would be referred to the hostel would be have remaining in the area anyway."

But Keith Salmon said: "The resort needs quality accommodation of a good standard - and this building should remain as a hotel with its prime site so close to the seafront. That's the basis on which we intend to fight this."

Mr Kelly said Providers of Accomodation and Support is hoping to set up a public meeting early next month at the hotel which will be chaired by the Rev Tim Greenslade of St John's Church.