A Bridport residential home is to almost double in size with an extension.

Coneygar Lodge is planning to create 12 new bedrooms - specialising in dementia care.

Dorset Council has granted consent for the refurbishment of the existing single storey home and the building of a care unit with the new bedrooms, communal space and a basement for storage in what is now the garden.

Two existing bedrooms will be lost in the changes making a net gain of ten bedrooms with the home expected to take on up to five additional full and part time staff once the building work has been completed.

The application for the Coneygar Park home will also add two disability parking spaces and retain existing car parking.

A planning agent’s letter said that the proposed new building will be a dedicated unit for residents with dementia and will be the first registered residential dementia care facility in the town.

“The proposed building aims to create a safe and secure unit for the residents creating a homely environment and attractive outside spaces as part of the development,” said the agent.

The materials of the new building and its design is said to be mimicking the existing 1920s Grooms Cottage on the site which will be refurbished and linked to the new unit via a glass corridor.

Two existing beds in Grooms Cottage, said to no longer meet modern standards, will be removed and the building altered to create a reception area and staff office.

“The character of the proposed development has been designed to fit sympathetically within the existing complex of buildings. The materials selected match where practical and reference those found on site. The development is not replicating the existing historical buildings, but its grouping, massing and elevation treatment aspire to create a timeless yet traditional development,” said the agent.

Bridport Town Council supported the application and Dorset Council’s senior conservation officer concluded that the proposals would not result in any harm to the character and appearance of the Conservation Area nor to any nearby buildings of heritage importance.