Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
A life-saving heart machine could be installed on the outside wall of a Grade II listed community building on Portland.
The Island of Portland Heritage Trust has applied to Dorset Council for listed building consent to attach the defibrillator to St George’s Centre, Reforne, Portland.
The application, (P/LBC/2026/04079), says nothing would be removed from the building, with the defibrillator placed inside a cabinet fixed to the external wall. An electrical connection would be made from inside the centre to the cabinet.
Documents submitted with the proposal say the defibrillator has been donated by Weymouth and Portland Lions Club and would improve health and safety provision for centre users, local residents and visitors.
The trust says there are no defibrillators within the recommended distance from the building at that end of the road, while the centre is used by an elderly demographic as well as regular groups, private hirers and artists working in attached studio units.
The centre is on a busy road with housing on both sides, close to The George pub, a church and a sports field, with the applicant saying footfall in the area is “not inconsiderable”.
Comments on the application remain open until September 12 via the Dorset Council website.
