A scrap of land close to Bridport town centre is to house a new building which will benefit the arts and other community groups in the town.

Planning permission has been granted for the Bridport Town Council to erect a multi-purpose building at the Old Dairy site off Rope Walks.

Its uses will include a photography studio, workshop spaces, offices, kitchenette and storage.

The two-storey building has been re-designed from the original proposals, which several councillors thought was "top heavy" and out of keeping with surrounding properties within the town's conservation area.

Until recently, the plot of land has been used for car parking but the site has also been a home to a bakery in its past.

The proposals include a single parking space and a separate loading bay in front of the building, where cycle parking will also be provided.

Dorset Council's Western and Southern Area Planning Committee unanimously agreed the proposal, almost without discussion. The application had only come before councillors because the site is owned by Dorset Council.

The proposal had attracted no objections and planning officers supported the amended design, and said that the site was suitable for the location and sustainable with plenty of car parking in the car park, directly opposite.