A new bar is planned for a former bank building in a town centre.

An application to turn the old HSBC, at 17 East Street in Bridport, into a café and bar has been submitted to Dorset Council.

It says the purpose is 'to create a friendly bar and restaurant for the local community and visitors to use.'

The new bar would be called The Bridport Dagger and plans include live music and showing live sport. 

Craig Horton, who runs the Number 10 bar over the road, is taking on the building as he needs to relocate his business. The building which houses Number 10 is up for sale.

He said: "We are really excited to bring the old bank to life with a nice new bar for the town.

"We will be offering freshly made coffees, pastries and snacks, and as well and sit down meals throughout the day.

"Drinks on offer real ales, ciders, lager, Guinness and spirits, wine, cocktails and soft drinks."

Bridport Town Council has already objected to the application as councillors felt details were 'unsatisfactory.'

They said while they supported the proposed change of use 'in principle', further details were needed. They said a noise impact assessment must be obtained, and appropriate acoustic defences should be incorporated.

Councillors said opening times should be restricted to 8am- midnight from Sunday to Wednesday, and 8am-2am from Thursday to Saturday and on bank holidays.

The application asks for 8am-4am seven days-a-week. 

Addressing noise concerns, Mr Horton said: "I know there is some concern from some neighbours about the use of the rear garden and opening times.

(Image: Jennifer Mulcahey)

"To reassure the neighbours, the rear garden is not planned for used by customers and we are aware the noise this could've made.

"We will only be open until 2am. With the 4am noted in the application, this will only be used for New Year and some bank holidays. If any neighbours are concerned I am happy to speak to them."

A heritage statement states that while numbers 15 and 19 East Street are Grade II-listed buildings, 17 East Street is not a listed building and the proposals do not propose any changes to the exterior front of the building.

READ: HSBC in Bridport set to close

It adds: 'The internal alterations to the building are minimal. Overall, these proposal will preserve and enhance the building and will not cause detriment to the heritage assets on this site."

A public licensing notice in the window of the bank building asks for any public comments to be made to licensing@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

The HSBC branch closed at the end May 2023.

At that time, the bank said footfall at many of its branches was at an all-time low and most transactions were being done digitally.