THREE Cups campaigners have held ‘constructive’ meetings with senior district council officers over the future of the Lyme Regis building.

The Save the Three Cups as a Heritage Hotel group chairman John Dover and deputy chairman David Parker met West Dorset District Council leader Robert Gould and director of environment David Evans last week.

Mr Dover said the talks were ‘positive, informative and constructive’.

They reinforced the group’s view that the new timetable set by Three Cups owner Palmers Brewery needs to be more ‘realistic and achievable’.

Mr Dover said this view was shared by West Dorset MP Oliver Letwin, who is giving the group his continuing support.

Mr Dover said: “Having waited 21 years to get to this point, Lyme Regis needs to count the time left to re-open the Three Cups in months not years.”

The campaigners were told by the district council that a meeting had been held with Palmers and English Heritage.

More work was then requested by the authority to be carried out by Palmers with another meeting planned for June.

“We anticipate this work involving greater in-depth analysis will take another two months,” said Mr Dover.

“Hopefully, by the end of July Palmers should be ready for further public consultation.”

He added: “We are satisfied that a rigorous pre-planning process is being undertaken but we await the extent of demolition, if any, Palmers will be allowed to inflict on this important heritage asset and include in their planning application.”

Palmers Brewery’s property agent, Nigel Jones of Chesterton Humberts, said a second public consultation would be held later this year.

Mr Jones said: “Palmers are being completely realistic about the timetable.

“The district council and English Heritage have asked for a considerable amount of additional survey work relating to engineering and topographical issues.

“This is required to assess the impact of any redevelopment on adjoining properties.

“Once all the surveys have been completed, this information will enable the scheme proposals to be developed before holding a second public consultation later this year.”

Mr Dover said the campaign group was now looking forward to re-engaging with the newly elected Lyme Regis Town Council.

He said: “We hope to work more closely with councillors to ensure that the future of the Three Cups reflects the views of the majority of Lyme Regis residents.”