BRIDPORT councillors have given the thumbs-down to proposed changes to one of West Bay’s landmark buildings.

Members of the town plans committee recommended that a planning application to build a single-storey extension and loft conversion with feature glazing and new roof lights at 22 Forty Foot Way should be refused.

They heard that the arts and crafts style building on a corner plot opposite the harbour was considered of important local interest and a heritage asset within the West Bay Conservation Area and West Dorset District Council Design and Conservation Officer said that the front extension is deemed to be ‘wholly unsympathetic and harmful’ to character and appearance.

“It is totally inappropriate,” said committee chairman Councillor Sarah Williams.