A FACE-LIFT is planned for a popular Bridport food business – giving the listed building a more traditional look and improving disabled access.

Longs Restaurant at 23 West Street is asking planning consent for the replacement of the existing shopfront replacing it with a new timber shopfront with the design to include trough lighting and hand-painted signs.

The proposal also asks for the replacement of all windows on the front, swopping them with traditional timber sash windows; replacement rainwater goods and the removal of rear ground floor Crittal window, infilling the space with bricks.

The building is Grade 2 listed with the existing aluminium shopfront thought to have been installed in the late 1970s or early 80s and now considered out of keeping with the surrounding area.

A planning agent for the business in a statement to Dorset Council planners said: "The ground floor of the application site has been significantly altered in previous years to accommodate the commercial use of the premises as a fish and chip shop takeaway and restaurant.

"Works have included a modern aluminium shopfront and timber fascia which are believed to have been installed in the 1970/80's. Whilst the changes were functional they are no longer considered to be sympathetic on a historic building and currently detract from the street scene.

"The proposed scheme includes a new timber shopfront and fascia sign which has been designed to include traditional elements in order to reintroduce historic character to the ground floor of the building and street scene.

"The fascia is proposed to be reduced in height as it is currently somewhat oversized.

"The shopfront design includes paneling on the doors and pilasters, which results in more sympathetic and characterful detailing whilst introducing double doors as the main shop entrance. This will, in turn, result in a more enticing shop for potential customers and will also allow better access for wheelchair users. It is proposed that the shopfront be painted in blue with brass door furniture and matching hand painted signage with external trough lighting."

Public comments on the proposals (ref P/FUL/2025/07311) remain open, on the Dorset Council website, until January 23rd.