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AN application to convert a historic Swanage hotel into shops and flats has prompted fears the town's charm could be significantly tainted.

Developers have applied to convert the Grade Two-listed Purbeck Hotel into two retail units, six apartments and two dwellings.

The Purbeck stone building has stood proudly on the site on the High Street since the early 19th century.

Purbeck district council's report on the application concedes the building plays a "key role in defining the character and appearance of this part of the Swanage Conservation Area".

But the district council look set to approve to the controversial application today (Thursday), despite Swanage town council's preference to refuse it based on the "detrimental impact" to the town.

Cllr Constance Gainsborough, a member of the town council's tourism and environmental committee, said: "We don't want to lose it or have it altered at all.

"We want to retain it and definitely don't want it changed because of its character."

The district council maintain the external appearance of the ancient building, just yards from the seafront, would be "largely unaffected" by the conversion.

They agree the Purbeck Hotel makes a "positive contribution" to Swanage's rustic appeal but maintains the proposals will "preserve" the charm of the town centre.

The recommendation to grant approval to the application is dependent on amended plans that detail changes to the bay windows at the front of the building.

7:00pm Wednesday 26th March 2008

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