IT’S third time lucky for a plan to demolish a Portland pub’s skittle alley and build three one-bed homes in its place.

An application to build behind the New Star Inn at Fortuneswell has twice been refused by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and subsequently chucked out by the planning inspector on appeal.

Revised plans by Stem Lane Properties have now been approved by the borough’s Planning and Traffic Committee.

The plan envisages a terrace of three properties with off-street parking between the back of the pub and number three Mallams.

It would be built in place of the New Star’s skittle alley and an underground parking area.

The committee heard the proposal is similar to a previous plan rejected earlier this year but with differences in design which do not impact as much on the conservation area, and improvements to highway safety.

A report was also submitted with the application which concludes the overall impact from the proposed development is reasonable with regard to daylight and overshadowing.

The development would mean the loss of an underground parking area which the committee heard was welcomed by residents for safety reasons as youths congregate there.