AN empty bank building in The Square, Wimborne Minster, is to be converted into hotel rooms on the first and second floors.

A restaurant use is already in place on the ground floor with planning and listed building consent now granted for the conversion of the upper floors

Dorset Council has approved the change of use application for the Loungers group which operate in a number of market and seaside towns – including Weymouth and Dorchester.

The Grade 2 listed building, previously the TSB Bank which dates from 1872, will be largely unaltered outside with internal changes made to create five ensuite bedrooms to complement the ground floor restaurant and bar.

The company, Loungers UK based in the Bristol area, say there is a rear access to the property, off West Borough, with a seven-bay car park.

Wimborne Minster Town Council raised no objection to the changes with the Dorset Council conservation team asking for agreement on internal alterations which will preserve heritage features including cornices and skirtings.