A new store for the harbourmaster and fishing fleet at Lyme Regis is expected to be approved by a Dorset Council meeting today.

The store will be off Ozone Terrace, opposite the beach boat yard, close to the bowling green.

Until now the area has been used for open storage and parking for commercial harbour users and the harbour team.

An application for planning consent to Dorset Council's area committee says that the town now has a fleet of 20 fishing boats which has become a ‘major local economic driver’.

It says that having a secure storage area would help in sustaining and promoting that commercial activity.

The proposed building would have three roller doors and with a slate or corrugated metal roof.

Architects are claiming that the building would have no impact on the nearby Grade 1 listed Cobb.

“The construction will be visible when the boat and parking areas are clear but will be seen against the backdrop of the existing toilet block and houses in Ozone Terrace…in normal circumstances it will be less visible and will merge with the existing collection of building forms set against parked cars and boats as well as beach huts and therefore not cause undue harm,” according to the application papers.

The building will result in the loss of six car parking spaces.