Calls to reverse plans for Bridport's historic literary and scientific institute have been made by more than 100 residents and supporters of the building.

Bridport Area Development Trust (BADT), which owns the LSi in East Street, announced new plans for the building last month, in which three tenants - Crowdfunder, 3DCentre (3DC) and a financial services company - will own and deliver an events programme, with space available for hire.

But Chasing Cow Productions, a West Dorset arts and filmmaking collective, has responded to the plans, which it does not believe is "consistent with BADT's aims and those of the LSi in the benefits it provides to the community and wider society".

In its response it says a public consultation never took place and the tenants are unsuitable as Crowdfunder is a for-profit company that exists to benefit its shareholders, 3DC is not a charity and rather a community interest company that was only incorporated on March 31 and has no local profile or track record, and the financial services company is unnamed and private, offering nothing to the local community.

A spokesman for Chasing Cow Productions said: "These tenants do not form what Crowdfunder director Simon Deverell calls a "commercial spine", but an entirely commercial body.

"For these reasons, we reject BADT's proposal as a responsible use of the building. We do not believe that this plan justifies approximately £3 million of charitable and public funding, and countless volunteer hours over 20 years, that have been spent on renovating the building and protecting it as a community resource.

"We also object to these plans as beneficial to 'young people', when no 'young people' appear to have been consulted about this plan. We find this rhetoric both misleading and disingenuous.

"An alternative financially viable proposal was put forward by the Arts Development Company (ADC) and we believe this needs to be seriously reconsidered. A summary of the ADC proposal can be viewed here.

"The BADT's decision about the LSi must be reversed, the alternative proposal reconsidered and, crucially, a public consultation undertaken regarding any new plans for the building."

Many people have added their names to the reply in support. The public response can be found here and people can add their names as a comment at the bottom of the document. Those who have difficulty can email [email protected] with their comments.

Fred Warren from Chasing Cow has also written an article 'Buildings for Buzzwords' which gives a backstory about the LSi and this decision. This can be found here.

Tim Crabtree, a founding former member of the LSi trust, said: "It seems ironic and disappointing that, despite the 20 years and £3 million of public money, the current trustees have decided to turn it into a commercial office block which was precisely what we were trying to stop for 20 years."

A spokesman for BADT said: "The effort and costs of retaining and operating a historic building at the heart of the community are substantial. Changing circumstances required a new approach to ensure a financially viable and sustainable future for the LSi.

"A wide range of options have been considered and two comprehensive, radical and exciting proposals were compared in detail by Bridport Area Development Trust using an independently devised and monitored appraisal.

"The priority throughout was to maximise the benefit of the LSi for Bridport."

BADT say the new partnership between Crowdfunder and 3DC "offers many opportunities for diverse local projects to receive financial support and professional advice to develop key skills essential to the success of a younger generation". The mentoring will enable young people to "realise their full potential in areas of vital importance locally and globally, acting as an incubator for new projects to improve social, cultural, economic and environmental justice".

The spokesman added: "BADT is also in discussion with a Bridport company that has operated in the town for 125 years. The trust believes this new team offers financial stability and provides a firm base for a varied, innovative and rewarding programme of community involvement and engagement.

"There have been difficult choices but BADT has worked hard to be realistic and true to its original aims and objectives. The trust has also followed very closely the advice and requirements of major funders and stakeholders, notably the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Dorset Council.

"The LSi's meeting and training room will be available for 50 per cent of the available booking time for use by individuals or local groups that offer benefits to the local community, such as affordable housing, health or skills and education. These bookings will be at a discounted rate or on a no-fee basis. The programme of community events will be reported to and monitored by BADT board and the National Lottery Heritage Fund."

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