by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporting Service.
More town centre flats are likely to be created in Dorchester – following a recent trend in the town.
The latest proposal to make use of the space above a commercial property is in Trinity Street where the owners of No 30 have applied to create two flats on the first and second floors, the space previously used as additional dining space and storage for the ground floor business.
The business, a former restaurant, Sam’s Steakhouse, lasted less than a year and although now empty the ground floor will remain as a commercial unit.
Other businesses undertaking similar conversions to upper floors include a range of properties in High West and High East Streets where around 20 new homes have been created in former storage and office areas over the past year – in many cases returning the properties to domestic use.
Sam’ steakhouse and cider bar closed in September 2024 after less than a year despite receiving positive average four-star reviews on Trip Advisor from customers. It had replaced another food business, the burger bar, Cow & Apple.
Comments on the planning application for the conversion of the upper floors to flats can be made on the Dorset Council website using the reference P/PAMF/2025/06845
