Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
A FUNERAL director is hoping for good odds in gaining planning approval to convert a Weymouth betting shop to a new base.
Dorchester-based Grassby’s has applied for a change of use to a vacant betting shop at 178 Dorchester Road which, if approved by Dorset Council, will open under the name of Grassby and Stockting Funeral Directors.
Plans for the former Betfred building show a largely unchanged front of the building, apart from minor improvements and new signage, with the internal changes to create two chapels of rest, a consultation room and a reception area as well as storage and staff spaces. The application only relates to the commercial area on the ground floor of the building.
Said a planning agent acting for the company: “The proposed funeral directors would provide reception and consultation facilities, together with two chapels of rest for private family viewings by prior arrangement. No deceased person would be retained overnight and no refrigeration, embalming, preparation or other mortuary facilities would be provided.”
Public comments on the proposal remain open until September 30th and can be seen online via the Dorset Council website using the reference P/FUL/2026/04843 .
