THE owner of Roundham House Hotel is planning to turn his business back into a private home.

Steven Hynes spoke to Bridport Town Councillors at their planning meeting to make his case for converting the Edwardian country house back into a home.

He said: “In the 40 years I have been here numerous houses have opened their doors to be guest houses and many have converted back into private houses, as new people come into the area and others leave and personal circumstances change.

“What we are seeing is a considerable net increase – with seven new ones along West Bay Road alone.”

He said since Trip Advisor started six years ago there had been at least a doubling of accommodation in the area – with some 51 guest houses and bed and breakfasts plus 13 hotels.

He added: “We are open for four and five months of the year doing bed and breakfast only, operating under the VAT limit of £73,000 a year.

“We provide no dinners, no lunches and have no full-time staff, only a few part time students in the mornings.

“We are no great employer of staff and never have been.”

He said the neighbours welcomed the idea and with the steep and difficult access, the swap back would be a positive benefit.

He said: “I believe it will be no loss to the local community and better for the environment if we were allowed to have the option to turn this back into a private residence.”

Bridport town councillors had no objections.

Coun Geoff Ackerman said it had always been a residential house. He said: “I see no problem with this.”

Coun Ros Kayes said: “I don’t think it would damage the number of beds available in the town.”

Coun Dave Rickard said he was surprised planning permission was required to return the business to a private home.

The matter will be decided by West Dorset Disrict Council planners.